3D Mammograms
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Options
Faster
Results
Breast Health Is Our Focus
At Radiology of Indiana, our whole service is geared around the needs of women who want fast, expert and accurate analysis and immediate treatment where required. Our approach is highly empathetic towards individual patients. Your specific needs are important to us and will guide your treatment every step of the way, from the moment you come into one of our offices.
Speed Is of the Essence
We know from what our patients have told us over the years that speed is of the essence when there is an issue related to breast health. Women don’t want to wait for their results. That’s why our entire process is designed to minimize waiting and maximize reassurance.
What Is 3D Mammography?
Digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool that has improved the early detection of breast cancer. During the 3D part of the exam, an x-ray arm takes multiple images in seconds as it sweeps over the breast. Images are displayed as a series of thin sliced layers that can be viewed by radiologists as individual images or in an interactive animation. 3D mammography is used in combination with 2D digital mammography.
What Makes 3D Mammograms Different
A 3D mammogram is very similar to having a 2D conventional mammogram; however it is clinically proven to be more accurate. This type of mammogram allows doctors to examine your breast tissue layer by layer so that fine details are more visible and not hidden by the tissue above or below. 3D mammography is known as the biggest breakthrough in breast cancer detection in the last 30 years.
Facts about 3D Mammography
- Reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40%
- Finds 41% more invasive cancers than conventional mammography
- Proven to detect breast cancers 15 months earlier
Another helpful video in understanding what to expect in receiving a mammogram: What to Expect During Your Mammogram
Known Benefits
Early Diagnosis: Small cancers can hide in overlapping tissue that maybe be hidden in a 2D mammogram. 3D mammograms are analyzed in slices that help detect smaller cancers earlier.
Better Visualization: A tumor can be hidden under dense parts of the breast tissue in a 2D mammogram. The capability to see breast tissue from multiple angles provided by a 3D scan helps radiologist better determine location, shape, and size of abnormalities.
Reduced Callbacks: 3D mammography, tomosynthesis, gives radiologists to the ability to look at the breast tissue in thin layers. By looking at the tissue layer by layer, radiologists can better determine what is normal breast tissue and what is abnormal. The information that additional image layers provides is believed to lead to less callbacks. Less callbacks means sparing woman the inconvenience, time, expense and anxiety of further imaging service.
Breast-Related Symptoms Can Be Complex, And You Need Specialist Professional Advice.
Inevitably, there is anxiety associated with any unusual breast-related symptoms. The most important factor, if you or your physician do find anything abnormal, is to obtain specialist diagnosis quickly. At Radiology of Indiana, the most frequent diagnostic procedure we offer to our patients is a mammogram. This is a special type of x-ray image that we use to diagnose abnormalities of the breast.
Once our registered technologists have performed your mammogram, one of our breast radiologists will interpret the results. Then we’ll prepare a report for your own physician. We can review your test and complete your report on the same day, and provide your referring physician with the results within 24 hours.
We completely understand that our patients can be very worried that we will identify something unusual. Even if your mammogram does reveal a possible abnormality in your breast, take comfort in the fact that around 80% are benign, not cancer. If any concerns are identified, we will work quickly to find the most effective next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 3D Mammograms Painful?
No. There is the same amount of compression required as a conventional 2D mammogram, and it only takes a few seconds longer. Many patients have reported that our new 3D mammography screening machine is less painful than the previous one.
Can You See My Past Mammogram Results?
Yes, we can request and receive your past mammogram results so that they’re in the office before you arrive, no matter where you had them performed.
Do you offer any additional testing besides mammograms if needed?
Yes, ultrasound and MRI are additional ways to image the breast, and we are proud to offer these high quality services at Radiology of Indiana.
Is 3D Mammography Safe for Pregnant Women?
It is important that patients inform their technologist before an exam about being pregnant or the possibility of pregnancy.
Is There Increased Radiation With 3D Mammography?
There is very little x-ray dose used during a 3D mammogram, just about the same as a conventional 2D mammogram and well within the FDA safety standards.
Will My Insurance Cover 3D Mammograms?
Most insurance companies do provide coverage for 3D mammograms. Please call your insurance provider and verify if you are covered.
