Avestée Women’s Imaging Center Now Offering 3-D Mammogram Technology in San Antonio

San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) July 31, 2013

Women in San Antonio now have access to a new, highly advanced breast cancer diagnostic tool that improves the clarity and reliability of mammogram results. Avestée Women’s Imaging Center, conveniently located at 303 W. Sunset Road in San Antonio, has acquired 3D Digital Breast Tomosynthesis technology and is now available for patients seeking state of the art imaging and expert radiologic interpretation in a comfortable setting.

Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), or 3D mammography, was approved by the FDA in February 2011 for breast cancer screening. Avestée is one of the few centers in San Antonio to offer this advanced imaging evaluation as part of its comprehensive breast imaging services.

“Our patients know they are our number one priority. From the convenient location, heated gowns and personal dressing rooms to the knowledgeable licensed staff, latest imaging equipment and expert caring radiologists, our patients are receiving the best when they come to Avestée,” said founder Dr. Suzanne Marlar Dabbous.

According to Dr. Dabbous, she was inspired to open Avestée when Digital Breast Tomosynthesis was unanimously approved by the FDA. She immediately recognized its ability to address the issues hampering breast cancer screening today and committed herself to bringing the technology to San Antonio. “I wanted to bring this amazing technology to San Antonio women because they deserve it. Whether they come to me or go to another center offering 3D Tomo, I believe every woman should get a 2D/3D combo mode mammogram. If you are going to get a mammogram, do not settle for anything but the best technology available read by highly trained, dedicated women’s imagers,” said Dr. Dabbous.

There are many similarities between a 2D/3D combination mode mammogram and the 2D digital mammogram. They take almost the same amount of time, the machine looks the same, and the patient's breast is compressed in the same number of positions. The big difference is that the 3D mammogram collects images as the machine makes a quick arc over the patient’s breast tissue. These images are then reconstructed into a data set, allowing the radiologist to examine the breast tissue in 1 mm slices. This 3D visibility effectively removes summation artifact (harmless objects such as glandular tissue and blood vessels which are photographically superimposed to resemble cancer) from the breast imaging equation. Summation artifact is the leading cause for call back exams. Having a better, more reliable view of the breast tissue helps increase the efficacy of the test and catching breast cancer at earlier stages. 3D breast screening is particularly effective for women who have dense breast tissue.

Avestée Women’s Imaging Center opened in April 2013. The center was founded by Dr. Dabbous, a Board Certified Radiologist and graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where she received the highest academic honor of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society Membership. Dr. Dabbous brings a unique imaging perspective to breast imaging. As a General Surgery intern at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, she was able to see firsthand the full spectrum of breast cancer treatment from surgery through radiation/chemo and reconstruction. She completed her radiology residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas where she received her training in mammography at the Komen Breast Center. Dr. Dabbous is a fellowship trained Neuroradiologist but has chosen to restrict her practice to Women’s Imaging. She spent 12 years with a San Antonio-based radiology practice before founding Avestée Women’s Imaging Center in 2013.

In addition to screening and diagnostic mammogram services. Avestée also offers breast ultrasounds, a full spectrum of body imaging services, ultrasound services, ultrasound guided biopsy and bone density studies. Appointments can be made online at http://www.avesteeimaging.com. The facility accepts most major commercial insurance, HMO/PPO plans, Medicare, and other government sponsored health coverage.

Avestée Woman’s Imaging Center of Alamo Heights can be reached at (210) 826-2666 or info(at)avesteeimaging(dot)com.

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