AdventHealth Hendersonville is excited to announce the availability of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) for patients in Western North Carolina, particularly benefiting women with dense breast tissue. The CEM is available through AdventHealth Imaging Hendersonville’s Hologic 3Dimensions® mammography system.

Recent research has shown that standard mammography can be 30% to 40% less sensitive in women with dense breast tissue. Studies prove that contrast-enhanced mammography is especially effective on dense breasts because it is unaffected by background breast tissue, making it an easier and more effective exam.

In the U.S., mammograms are recommended yearly or bi-yearly for people aged 40 to 74.

According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly half of women 40 and older who get mammograms have dense breasts. For women with dense breast tissue, or women with a high risk of cancer, contrast-enhanced mammography offers the ability to find cancer earlier.

With contrast-enhanced mammography before the patient has the imaging scans, they are given contrast dye through an IV. This dye shows up in the scans and allows for cancer to be recognized at the earliest possible stages. Contrast-enhanced mammography is also proven to reduce the number of biopsies on women who might not have cancer.

AdventHealth encourages women who are interested in this new cancer screening and diagnostic tool to talk with their doctor to find out if contrast-enhanced mammography is the right option for them. Patients may qualify for CEM cancer screening if they have dense breast tissue, intermediate risk of cancer, or are at high risk but do not qualify for MRI or would prefer CEM.

Extended Imaging Hours:

To make it easier for patients to receive the imaging services they need, AdventHealth now offers Extended Imaging Hours at our hospital in Hendersonville. Patients can call 828-681-2180 to schedule imaging appointments until 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

AdventHealth Hendersonville is committed to providing comprehensive cancer care you can count on. With this new state-of-the-art cancer screening and diagnostic tool, women in WNC can have peace-of-mind knowing that AdventHealth is making it easier and more convenient to catch their cancer early.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit AdventHealthWNC.com or call 828-681-2180. [source]