Breast Center
Comfortable, caring and close to home, Longview Regional Medical Center's cancer care treatment facility combines technology with the benefit of experienced oncology specialists and seasoned staff to deliver quality care and support to cancer patients and their families.
Call 1-903-232-8596 to schedule a screening.
3D Mammography & Breast Tomosynthesis
The Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center offers digital mammography to all patients. Digital mammography provides many benefits, ranging from greater accuracy and quicker results to a more comfortable exam. The breast health center is staffed by an all-female team, and digital mammography machines feature a soft-surface cushioned padding for patients' comfort.
In addition to digital mammography, Longview Regional Medical Center now offers breast tomosynthesis, a modern diagnostic technology for detecting breast cancer.
About Tomosynthesis
Breast tomosynthesis is an innovative, FDA-approved digital technology that helps physicians detect smaller tumors sooner - at the earliest stages of breast cancer.
The 3D imaging technology of tomosynthesis enables radiologists to see "inside" the breast. This reduces or eliminates problems caused by dense tissue overlapping.
Breast tomosynthesis uses high-powered computing to convert digital breast images into very thin layers or "slices," producing a 3D mammogram. The exam is very similar to a traditional mammogram. Just as with a digital mammogram, the breast tomosynthesis technologist positions the woman's breast, compressing the breast under a paddle, and takes images from different angles.
The X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple breast images in just seconds. A computer produces a 3D image of the patient's breast tissue in one-millimeter layers. This allows radiologists to examine fine details in the breast tissue one layer at a time, giving them the ability to see breast tissue detail in a way never before possible.
Do I Qualify for a 3D Mammogram?
Breast tomosynthesis is available immediately to patients who are due for their yearly screening mammogram.
What Should I Expect During a 3D Mammogram?
Tomosynthesis takes 15 successive images at slightly different angles across the breast, resulting in improved accuracy in screening results and pinpointing of lesion location.
What Other Tests May Find Lumps, Cysts Or Other Potential Problems?
Ultrasound is another form of imaging technology that is used to diagnose and monitor particular health conditions. An ultrasound uses sound waves to see organs, blood vessels and tissues in the body. A small, handheld wand called a transducer is moved around the outside of your body to "see" organs using high-frequency sound waves. Using a computer, these sound waves are converted into images.
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)
Whole-breast ultrasound, or 3D automated breast ultrasound (ABUS), creates ultrasound images of the entire breast. ABUS is commonly used in addition to screening mammography for women with dense breast tissue. The procedure is designed to display cancer in dense tissue that may not be seen with mammography.
How Does ABUS Work?
Automated breast ultrasound uses ultrasound technology to comfortably and quickly produce images of the breast. Unlike standard hand-held ultrasound, ABUS captures images of the entire breast. These images create an image for your radiologist to review, improving the ability to find cancer.
ABUS at The Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center - Exam Steps
- The patient lays on their back on an exam table. Foam and/or towel positioners are placed under the patient's side and shoulder to evenly distribute the breast tissue.
- A layer of lotion is applied to the breast.
- The ultrasound scanner is firmly positioned on the breast, however, the design of the scanner allows for a comfortable exam.
- Excess lotion is removed and the exam is repeated on the other breast.
The full exam usually takes about 30 minutes.
Should I Ask About ABUS?
Whole breast ultrasound is not needed by all women. Patients diagnosed with dense breasts should talk with their healthcare provider to see if ABUS would benefit them.
Automated Breast Ultrasound at The Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional
ABUS is available at The Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center. To confirm insurance coverage for this screening, please call your insurance provider.
Make an Appointment
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, please call The Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center at 1-903-232-8596.
Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is required. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider, and the patient is responsible for follow-up. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for a screening mammogram