Advanced Technology for a Better Breast Experience

Advanced Technology for a Better Breast Experience

Improvements in Mammogram Technology

Pardee uses 3D mammography, which is the only equipment that is FDA approved as superior to standard 2D mammography. Multiple clinical studies show 3D mammography is beneficial for all women, no matter your breast type or density. The 3D mammography detects 41 percent more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40 percent. For the patient, this means more accuracy and less anxiety. Pardee recently installed a second 3D mammogram screening room, providing the ability to see more patients with significantly less wait time for patients wanting to schedule an exam.

Going Beyond Traditional Biopsy

Pardee is one of only two facilities in Western North Carolina to offer 3D-guided biopsy. This biopsy technique samples lesions which cannot be detected with the standard 2D digital mammography, and can only be identified with 3D mammography. The 3D-guided biopsy is the highest level technology available today for sampling lesions in the breast, which may be an indication of breast cancer. The suite of 3D services now available at Pardee allows for an easier, more streamlined procedure that takes less time and uses less radiation.

Comfort and Accuracy

In addition to the 3D technology now firmly in place and upheld as the standard of care for breast health, Pardee recently added a few new improvements to its suite of diagnostic tools to make the exam more comfortable and accurate. In order to deliver a more comfortable mammogram experience, Pardee has now added the new SmartCurve System. The SmartCurve System provides curved paddles specifically designed for more comfortable compression during breast imaging. It is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable mammogram without compromising image quality, workflow or dose. The technology has the potential to increase screening volume and compliance for the countless women who have reported avoiding mammograms due in large part to the fear of discomfort associated with breast compression.

Addressing Breast Density

Dense breasts are one of the strongest common risk factors in developing breast cancer and approximately 40 percent of women have dense breasts. Women with dense breasts are four to six times more likely to develop breast cancer

and 71 percent of breast cancers are found in women with dense breasts. To respond to this need, Pardee is now offering a new, advanced technology for detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts.

The Invenia ABUS 2.0 is a new, advanced technology for detecting breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue. The Invenia ABUS 2.0 has been shown to improve detection in women with dense breasts by more than 37 percent when used in addition to mammography. Using 3D ultrasound technology, the Invenia ABUS 2.0 quickly and comfortably images dense breasts; an exam typically takes 15 minutes.

Guarding Against Radiation

When radiation therapy is needed, the Active Breathing Control (ABC) device is utilized to help limit the amount of radiation that is exposed to the heart. This is a noninvasive technology that guides the patient through a series of breath holds while the radiation oncologist captures CT images of the tumor in order to prepare a custom treatment plan. Taking deep breaths increases the distance between the area receiving radiation and the heart. Increasing this distance decreases the risk for developing radiation-induced heart disease while also limiting the amount of radiation to surrounding healthy tissue.

Lymphedema Therapy

The Lymphedema Clinic at Pardee Physical Therapy is focused on improving individualized health and wellness during cancer recovery. This specialty clinic is committed to providing a holistic approach to care for those affected by lymphedema by managing the condition using the Vodder Method of Completed Decongestive Therapy. In addition, our Post Mastectomy Program can aid in the overall recovery process and includes improving range of motion and strength post-surgery, lymphedema risk reduction, and education for infection prevention.

Treatment and Surgery

Jennifer McAlister, MD, FACS, has over a decade of experience as a board-certified surgeon, specializing in breast surgery. As the only fellowship trained female breast surgeon in Western North Carolina, Dr. McAlister evaluates and manages patients with benign breast conditions (breast pain, lumps, and cysts), and those with breast cancer.

Dr. McAlister recently adopted the innovative surgical technique of Breast Seed Localization, in place of using wires for localizing surgeries. Breast Seed Localization is a procedure where a tiny metal seed, about the size of a sesame seed, is placed into abnormal breast tissue to mark its location. During surgery, Dr. McAlister uses a special tool to find the breast seed and the surrounding abnormal tissue. This approach allows the surgeon more precise targeting of the area of breast involved and may allow for less breast tissue removal. 

(at left) SmartCurve System curved paddles for mammograms; (this page) Invenia ABUS 2.0