There is a good chance you have started seeing or hearing the term 3D mammography a lot lately. It is a lifesaving technology that is now available to women in the central Illinois area. Take a few minutes to better understand what you should know about this new mammogram.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a 3D mammography breast exam?
Three-dimensional mammography is a new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection. This oftentimes is referred to as breast tomosynthesis. During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over your breast, taking multiple breast images instead of one straight-down picture. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of your breast tissue in one millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible. They can scroll through images of your entire breast tissue like pages of a book.
Why is there a need for 3D mammograms?
With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area.
By looking at the breast tissue in one-millimeter slices, the radiologist can provide a more confident assessment. In this way, 3D mammography may find cancers missed with conventional 2D mammography.
How does breast density or other risk factors play a part?
Breasts with a large proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue on a mammogram are classified as “dense.” Regardless of size or shape, dense breasts have a substantially higher risk of developing breast cancer than women whose breast tissues are classified on a mammogram as “fatty.” A women’s breast density can change throughout life due to age, hormone levels and menopause. Dense breasts make it more difficult for doctors to spot cancer on mammograms. Both cancer and dense breast tissue appear white on the images. The 3D images give radiologist a clearer view of this dense tissue. You can find out your breast density from your most recent mammogram by asking your physician to check your radiology report.
What are the benefits?
The additional 3D images make it possible for a radiologist to gain a better understanding of your breast tissue during a screening or diagnostic mammogram and it reduces the need to call patients back for follow-up imaging.
What should I expect during the 3D mammography exam?
Three-dimensional mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system. There is no additional compression required, and it only takes a few seconds longer for each view.
Is there more radiation dose?
This new exam is a voluntary addition to a regular mammogram. It cannot be done by itself, but must be performed along with your regular 2D mammogram. Adding 3D views increases the amount of radiation but is still well within the FDA regulated limit for mammography. If you have concerns about radiation exposure, please talk with your mammography technologist, radiologist, or provider who can give you additional information.
Who can have a 3D mammography exam?
It is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram, in both the screening and diagnostic settings. The benefits are greater for women with these key factors: having their first mammogram, have a history of being called back for more specialized images after a screening mammogram, have a concern about breast cancer risk factors, and women with dense breast tissue.
Three-dimensional mammography is available at the OSF Centers for Breast Health in Peoria (Rt. 91 location) and Morton. If you have questions or would like to schedule your 3D mammogram, call 309-683-5522. Visit us at www.osfsaintfrancis.org/3Dmammogram.
Photo courtesy of OSF Saint Francis