For decades, conventional mammography has been the gold standard for breast cancer screening. While traditional mammograms have saved countless lives through early detection, they come with significant limitations—including uncomfortable compression and reduced sensitivity for women with dense breast tissue. As a leading imaging center New York, Pink Medical is proud to offer a revolutionary alternative that represents the next generation in breast imaging: the Koning VeraScan.
Beyond Conventional Mammography: Understanding the Technology
The Koning VeraScan utilizes innovative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology specifically designed for breast imaging. Unlike traditional mammography, which compresses the breast between two plates and captures flat, two-dimensional images, the Koning system creates true three-dimensional images of the breast with a 360-degree scan—all without painful compression.
Here’s how the technology works:
- Comfortable positioning: During the exam, you lie face down on a specially designed table with one breast positioned through an opening. This natural positioning minimizes discomfort and eliminates the need for compression.
- 360-degree imaging: The scanner rotates around the breast in a complete circle, capturing hundreds of images from every angle in approximately 10 seconds.
- True 3D reconstruction: Advanced software processes these images to create a detailed, three-dimensional view of the entire breast—from the nipple to the chest wall.
- Comprehensive visualization: Radiologists can examine the resulting images from any angle and navigate through the breast tissue slice by slice, significantly enhancing their ability to identify subtle abnormalities.
The No-Compression Advantage: Transforming the Patient Experience
One of the most significant barriers to regular mammogram screening is the discomfort and pain associated with breast compression. Studies show that up to 60% of women avoid or delay their annual mammograms due to anticipated pain during the procedure.
The Koning VeraScan eliminates this barrier entirely. With no compression required, the exam is virtually pain-free, making it an excellent option for:
- Women who have experienced painful mammograms in the past
- Patients with sensitive breasts
- Those with breast implants who worry about implant rupture during compression
- Women recovering from breast surgery
- Anyone who has avoided mammograms due to fear of discomfort
By providing a more comfortable experience, the Koning VeraScan helps increase screening compliance—a crucial factor in early detection.
Superior Diagnostic Clarity: Seeing What Traditional Mammograms Miss
Beyond patient comfort, the Koning VeraScan offers significant clinical advantages over conventional mammography:
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Elimination of Tissue Overlap
Traditional mammography produces flat images where breast structures can overlap, potentially obscuring small tumors. The Koning system’s true 3D capabilities eliminate this problem by allowing radiologists to examine each slice of breast tissue independently—similar to flipping through the pages of a book rather than viewing the entire book from the outside.
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Enhanced Visualization in Dense Breast Tissue
For the approximately 55% of women with dense breast tissue, conventional mammography has reduced sensitivity, potentially missing up to 40% of cancers. The Koning VeraScan’s superior contrast resolution significantly improves visualization in dense tissue, making it easier to distinguish between normal dense tissue and cancerous lesions.
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Precise Localization of Abnormalities
When an abnormality is detected, precise localization is crucial for further evaluation and treatment planning. The Koning system provides exact three-dimensional coordinates of any suspicious findings, facilitating more accurate biopsies and surgical planning.
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Undistorted Anatomical View
Since no compression is used, the breast maintains its natural shape during imaging. This means that the location and appearance of any abnormalities are seen in their true anatomical context—not distorted by compression—providing radiologists and surgeons with more accurate information.
Clinical Evidence: The Science Behind the Technology
The advantages of the Koning VeraScan aren’t just theoretical—they’re supported by clinical research:
- Studies have shown that the Koning technology can detect smaller lesions than conventional mammography, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.
- The system’s ability to distinguish between benign and malignant findings is enhanced by its superior contrast resolution, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies.
- Research indicates the technology provides equivalent or better cancer detection rates compared to conventional mammography, with similar radiation doses.
- In studies involving women with dense breasts, cone beam CT has demonstrated the ability to detect cancers that were invisible on standard mammograms.
Beyond Screening: The Versatility of Koning VeraScan
The Koning VeraScan’s capabilities extend beyond routine screening:
Diagnostic Evaluation
For women with suspicious findings on conventional mammography or symptoms such as a lump or nipple discharge, the Koning VeraScan provides enhanced diagnostic clarity.
Breast Implant Assessment
Women with breast implants face unique challenges with conventional mammography. The Koning system can visualize both the implant and surrounding breast tissue without compression, offering superior evaluation for implant integrity and the tissue between the implant and chest wall.
Image-Guided Procedures
The precise 3D localization capabilities of the Koning VeraScan make it an excellent platform for guiding breast biopsies, allowing for more accurate targeting of suspicious lesions.
Monitoring Treatment Response
For breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery), the Koning VeraScan can accurately track tumor response, providing valuable information to guide treatment decisions.
Radiation Considerations: Safety First
Many women have concerns about radiation exposure during breast imaging. It’s important to note that the Koning VeraScan delivers radiation doses comparable to conventional mammography, keeping exposure within safe, established guidelines while providing superior imaging quality.
The Future of Breast Imaging Available Today
The Koning VeraScan represents a significant leap forward in breast imaging technology, addressing many of the limitations of conventional mammography while enhancing detection capabilities. At Pink Medical NY, we’re proud to be among the first facilities to offer this revolutionary technology to our patients.
By providing a more comfortable experience without sacrificing—and in many cases enhancing—diagnostic accuracy, the Koning VeraScan is helping us detect breast cancer earlier and more reliably than ever before, particularly for women with dense breast tissue.
Is the Koning VeraScan Right for You?
The Koning VeraScan is an excellent option for many women, but particularly for:
- Those with dense breast tissue
- Women who have experienced painful mammograms
- Patients with breast implants
- Those with a history of inconclusive mammogram results
- Women at high risk for breast cancer who need enhanced screening
To learn more about the Koning VeraScan and whether it’s appropriate for your breast health needs, schedule a consultation with Pink Medical NY today. Our expert team will work with you to develop a personalized screening plan based on your unique risk factors and preferences.
The revolution in breast imaging is here—experience the difference with the Koning VeraScan at Pink Medical NY.
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This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding specific medical conditions and treatments.
