For your next mammogram, you may want to choose a 3D mammography breast exam – also called breast tomosynthesis – which gives your doctor a highly detailed, three-dimensional image of your breast tissue. Not all imaging facilities offer this revolutionary scanning procedure.
Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about 3D mammograms:
How Do 3D Mammograms Work?
In a 3D mammogram, the X-ray arm will pass over your breast to take multiple pictures of it. The computer then puts together those images to create a three-dimensional image of your breast tissue. This allows the doctor to see images of your breast in 1-millimeter slices, which makes it easier to detect abnormalities.
Does It Hurt More than a Regular Mammogram?
Both 2D and 3D mammography require compression of the breast in order to get a proper image of the breast tissues, and it can be a bit uncomfortable – but it’s brief. A 3D mammogram does not involve greater or lengthier compression than usual. The time it takes for the machine to pass over the breast is just a few seconds.
Does It Use More Radiation?
3D mammography uses low-dose X-ray energy during the exam. There is very minimal difference in the amount of radiation used in standard 2D mammograms as compared to 3D mammograms.
What Are the Advantages of 3D Mammography?
Unlike 2D mammography, which produces flat images of your breast tissue, 3D mammograms provide a three-dimensional view in 1-millimeter slices. In a flat image, there is a greater chance of missing abnormal tissue. Women who have dense breast tissue will particularly benefit from 3D mammograms because the multiple images are more likely to depict any irregularities or tumors.
Who Can Have 3D Mammograms?
A woman who has a doctor’s prescription for a mammogram can undergo a 3D mammogram – it is not treated differently than a regular mammogram. A 3D mammogram is used for both screening purposes (for women with no symptoms) and diagnostic purposes (for women with symptoms, such as a lump).
3D Mammography in The Bronx, NY
If you’re going to have a mammogram, you should have the most state-of-the-art mammography technology available. Here at Starling Diagnostics, we offer revolutionary 3D mammograms to produce the most accurate, detailed images possible for your doctor to review.
We also have an excellent Women’s Specialty Health program, offering not just mammography but also DEXA bone scans and ultrasound – which are the important screenings a woman needs in her lifetime. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a screening, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (718) 319-1610 or by filling out our easy-to-use online appointment request form now. Physicians, please use our referral form. We look forward to serving you!
