3D Mammography
Doctors agree early detection increases a woman's chance of surviving breast cancer. Until now, digital mammography—a 2-dimensional picture of the breast—has been the standard screening tool to detect cancer.
But the breast is a 3-dimensional object composed of different structures like blood vessels, milk ducts, fat and ligaments. Viewing all of these overlapping structures in a 2-dimensional, flat image is the reason small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal.
3D mammography offers a more accurate look at the breast. It allows the radiologist to examine your breast tissue one layer at a time. It converts digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers or "slices" to build what is essentially a 3-dimensional mammogram. It also allows for clearer images of dense breast tissue.
3D mammograms provide improved visibility of breast tissue, which may:
- Increase early detection of invasive cancers compared to 2D digital mammography alone
- Decrease the need for "call back" or a second look
Low X-ray energy is used during the screening so radiation exposure is below the FDA guidelines and is the equivalent to current 2D mammograms.
Who Should Have a 3D Mammo?
Guidelines are the same as for mammography in general: yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and if over the age of 75 the benefits should be discussed with your physician. If you are under 40 years of age, you will need an order from your physician for a screening or diagnostic mammogram.
To schedule a mammogram at Lutheran Downtown Hospital, call (833) 546-4968, option 2, then 1.
For a list of risk factors and American Cancer Society recommendations, visit www.Cancer.org. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for selection. 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.