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Log In to MyCovenantHealthThe new system will improve imaging for dense breasts.
Parkwest Medical Center is now offering a new automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) used for imaging on women with dense breast tissue. It is the only hospital in the region to offer this technology.
Navigating Dense Breasts
Nearly 40 percent of women have dense breasts and are six times more likely to develop breast cancer. Tissue in dense breasts appears white, similarly to tumors, which can cause small tumors to be missed. For additional evaluation and to increase the likelihood of cancer detection, breast ultrasounds are often used in conjunction with mammograms for women with dense breast tissue.
Introducing New Technology
The Invenia™ ABUS 2.0 imaging has the potential to see missed cancers and improve detection by 35.7 percent. Hundreds of images of the breast are taken in layers to find tumors that may have been missed in the mammogram. Additionally, there is improved contrast resolution, which reduces false positive identifications and improves the characterization of lesions. Exam times are shorter than typical ultrasounds and more comfortable for the patient.
“Over 40 percent of women in the United States have dense breast tissue, which can mask the appearance of tumors in mammography alone,” explained Amanda Squires, MD, medical director of Parkwest Comprehensive Breast Center. “Having dense breasts is a normal condition that we need to evaluate in a different manner. This new technology system that we’ve introduced in our Breast Center is the only FDA-approved ultrasound device for breast cancer screening in the US, and we’re the only Breast Center in our region currently using it.”
Screening Guidelines
It is recommended that women receive yearly mammograms beginning at the age of 40. If they have been informed that they have dense breast tissue, they should talk to their doctor about their specific risk and consider additional screening tests that might be appropriate.
To learn more about the Parkwest Comprehensive Breast Center, visit our website or call 865-373-7010.
Covenant Health
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Covenant Health is a community-owned, healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers.