Covenant Health LeConte Breast Center Acquires New Ultrasound Machine to Enhance Women’s Services

$800,000 Investment Will Help Care for Sevier County Women

April 2025 — Covenant Health LeConte has recently expanded its breast health services to help care for women in the greater Sevier County area. As the second stage of a nearly $800,000 investment to expand breast care services and technology, the medical center has acquired a GE Healthcare Invenia™ ABUS 2.0, an innovative automated breast ultrasound machine designed to detect cancer in dense breast tissue.

An ultrasound procedure provides images of the inside of a breast. If an area of the breast looks abnormal or unclear on a mammogram, an ultrasound screening can allow the medical provider to see that particular area more closely.

“Finding a cancer in dense breast tissue with mammography is like looking for a snowflake in a blizzard because both cancers and dense tissue can show up white on the mammogram. Being able to add this equipment to screening mammography helps our radiologists see cancers when they are smaller, and in turn, require less complicated treatments for patients,” said Candace Wedlock, supervisor of LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center.

The first stage of the investment in breast cancer technology was announced earlier this year. The Breast Center also has acquired a GE Healthcare Pristina Serena ™, an innovative biopsy machine designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

A substantial portion of funding for the total investment was generously provided by the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation and its donors through the Paint the Mountains Pink fundraising initiative. The foundation is instrumental in supporting LeConte and advancing its mission to improve the quality of life through better health.

New Ultrasound Machine Benefits Both Patients and Clinicians

The new ultrasound equipment at the LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center has unique features that improve the procedure experience for both patients and clinicians.

Patient Features

• A non-invasive imaging alternative that complements other diagnostic procedures like mammography
• Designed to be comfortable and convenient for patients through an “auto prior function” that compares results with previous findings

Clinical Features

• 3D imaging capabilities that provide a detailed view of breast lesions (abnormal areas or growths in the breast)
• Advanced interpretation tools allow for better visualization of dense breast tissue

“As the lead breast radiologist, I am thrilled at the addition of automated breast ultrasound at LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center. This new device will efficiently screen more women with dense tissue who have an elevated risk of breast cancer,” said Margaret Brown, MD, radiologist.

“We want ALL women with dense tissue to have access to supplemental breast ultrasound screening. Combining mammography with supplemental screening ultrasound increases our ability to find smaller breast cancer. This new technology will increase access to this important supplemental screening exam.”

Meeting the Community’s Need for Breast Care Services

LeConte Medical Center is a proud member of Covenant Health, which prioritizes women’s health services. Covenant Health is one of the first health systems in Tennessee to obtain this innovative breast ultrasound machine. LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center and Parkwest Comprehensive Breast Center in Knoxville are the first two Covenant Health facilities with this new ultrasound equipment.

The LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center is designated by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence®. This designation signifies clinical excellence and the highest standards of quality and patient safety.

Schedule an Appointment

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The recommended age for women at average risk for breast cancer to begin regular screening mammograms is 40.

To self-schedule an appointment and learn more about LeConte’s Comprehensive Breast Center, please visit our webpage.

No Insurance? No Problem

Free screening mammograms are available for those in need in Sevier County through LeConte’s Paint the Mountains Pink Program. To learn more or apply for a free mammogram, please visit our website.