Mammography

Let us know if you have excessive breast tenderness or if you are, or may be, pregnant.

• Do not apply anything to the skin on or around your breasts. This includes antiperspirant or deodorant, perfume and body lotion. These substances can show up on the mammogram and make it difficult to interpret the results.
• Bring your current insurance information with you. Be prepared to fill out a medical history form, including family history of cancer and personal history of cancer screening and treatment if relevant.
• Allow up to 30 minutes for your appointment.

3D mammography is a screening and diagnostic breast-imaging tool that is proven to improve the early detection of breast cancer by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 3D mammography is also known as tomosynthesis, or “tomo” for short.

For each view, the mammography machine sweeps over the breast, taking multiple images in seconds. A computer formats the images and displays them as a series of thin, 3D slices, as well as a composite digital image (two-dimensional) for the radiologist to interpret.

3D mammogram provides high accuracy and image clarity. It also supports earlier detection and reduces the need for additional testing compared to traditional 2D mammography.

The technology takes up to 180 3D pictures of a breast in about the same time 2D imaging takes four pictures. The results allow a radiologist to view breast tissue one thin slice at a time. Fine details in the breast are more visible and less likely to be hidden by overlapping tissue. This results in higher accuracy and less need for further testing.

Several large studies have shown that 3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers. That’s one-to-two more cancers caught per 1,000 tests. 3D mammography also reduces the chances that a patient will need additional views by up to 15%. With 3D mammography, radiologists can detect breast cancer earlier with fewer false alarms and fewer biopsies.

A 3D mammogram is similar to a traditional 2D mammogram. It only takes a few more seconds than a 2D mammogram and does not require additional breast compression. Some women may experience minor discomfort; others don’t experience any discomfort.

Our 3D mammography sites use the lowest dose of radiation available. It uses roughly the same amount as traditional 2D mammography.

Continue to follow your existing screening plan unless there is a change in your health. You may need to re-evaluate your screening plans if there are any changes or new knowledge of your family medical history. A risk assessment is an extremely valuable tool for determining your custom plan. It considers your personal and family health history. Discuss with your care team to evaluate and adjust your plan as necessary.

You don’t need a referral for a 3D mammogram. We offer them to all patients as routine screening or diagnostic mammograms.

Mammography results are usually available within two business days of your appointment. You also can view your test results in our Patient Portal.