Radiologist: “3D is even better than we anticipated”
3D breast tomosynthesis has been up and running at the Women’s Imaging Center in Mount Vernon for a full year and was recently added at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington. Radiologist Leah Kiviat, MD is impressed every day with the vast improvement the technology is making in identifying potential cancers with 3D mammography. “I am still amazed at the cancers we are seeing, it is really incredible,” said Dr. Kiviat, who is with Skagit Radiology and serves as the Women’s Imaging Center Medical Director. “It’s even better than we anticipated and it’s still amazing to me every day.” A 3D mammogram combines several breast X-rays to produce a three-dimensional image of the breast, offering more detail and precision that previous 2D technology.
3D technology generates highresolution images of the breast, improves detection of cancer, works well for women with denser breast tissue, lessens the uncomfortable compression time and lowers the number of recalls for additional tests. As the technology shows even smaller cancers for early detection, patients may not require the invasive treatments often connected to breast cancer. “A lot of these are treatable or curable and many women may not even need extensive treatment,” Dr. Kiviat said. “The important thing for women to do is to have a screening mammogram. Just go do it. We know it can be anxiety provoking, and we understand. We will walk our patients through it. So many women often say ‘that wasn’t so bad’ and they are happy they got it done.” For those who require surgery, radiologists and surgeons at Skagit
Regional Health are now using a breast seed implant to localize the tumor. The procedure, which can be done as much as a month before surgery, involves implanting a tiny seed into the breast that responds to a radio frequency. When it’s time for the procedure, the surgeon will use the responsive seed to locate the tumor. The seed implant process replaces the prior wire-guided localization procedure and is an advancement that will improve care and comfort for the patient, Dr. Kiviat said. The Women’s Imaging Center and the Skagit Imaging Pavilion serves as
a central location for comprehensive diagnostic imaging modalities to benefit patients. If a patient is facing a potential cancer diagnosis, additional tests including breast ultrasound, biopsy and breast MRI, are offered in the same convenient location. If a diagnosis of cancer is made, the patient will be provided with a seamless hand off to The Breast Institute program at the Regional Cancer Care Center. This patient navigator based program provides wrap-around support for the newly diagnosed patient. The navigator guides patients through the cancer care system to ensure timely care, comprehensive treatment and support through every aspect of their journey. The patient navigator serves as the patient’s go-to person for all questions and concerns, offering guidance and assistance from the beginning of cancer care throughout the entire treatment plan and into survivorship.
Schedule your mammogram today! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a perfect time to schedule a mammogram for early detection. Skagit Regional Health now offers 3D breast tomosynthesis in Mount Vernon and Arlington.
MOUNT VERNON
In Mount Vernon, call the Women’s Imaging Center at 360-428-7275 or 1-888-371-2812. The Women’s Imaging Center will offer special Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October, 17, 2020.
ARLINGTON
In Arlington, call the Cascade Valley Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Department at 360-435-0515. Extended hours for mammograms will be offered every Wednesday evening in October with the last appointment at 6 p.m. Fall 2020
9
