Tomosynthesis (3D Mammogram)
3D Mammography is available for patients along with their annual screening mammogram. While it has shown to benefit all types of breast composition, this is especially beneficial in women with dense breast tissue.
Learn More About Tomosynthesis (3D Mammogram)
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), commonly called 3D Mammography, uses low energy x-rays to recreate 3D images of the breast. While conventional mammograms take pictures of the breast from 2 angles (up and down and also left and right) DBT takes multiple images from many different angles. 3D takes place at the same time the conventional mammogram is being acquired. During the 3D portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in an arc over the breast. Very low X-ray energy is used, about the same as a traditional mammogram.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis is an FDA approved 3D imaging modality that gives radiologists the ability to examine breast tissue in reconstructed 1 millimeter thin slices in addition to the traditional mammography views. The additional views help to reduce confusion of overlapping tissue and hopefully reduce call backs.
To request 3D Mammography in addition to your mammogram, call 850-878-6104 as soon as possible before your scheduled appointment. While you may add 3D on the day of your visit, there may be a wait. For information on insurance coverage, please call and speak with a Women’s Imaging Representative.
Screening mammography results will be sent to you and your physician within two weeks. If you are called back for additional mammographic views, do not be alarmed. Often times more views are needed in order to make an accurate diagnosis. If this is the case a member of our staff will contact you personally to discuss the recommended next step. This is called a diagnostic mammogram.
If you have had a previous mammogram at a facility other than Radiology Associates, please let us know so that we may obtain these films. It is extremely important for the radiologist to have your prior films for comparison, as it enhances the doctor’s ability to detect a subtle change or small abnormality on your current mammogram. Availability of prior films at your appointment also decreases the length of time it takes for you to get your results.
Please contact us if for some reason you have not received the results of your mammogram.
The 3D procedure takes place during your breast compression for your screening mammogram and adds only a few seconds to the full exam.
We’re thrilled to be able to offer tomosynthesis to our patients, but it’s important to remember that 2D digital mammography remains the gold standard for early detection and has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer in all age groups starting at age 40.
1 in 8 women is affected by breast cancer. Call 850-878-6104 to schedule your mammogram today.
Talk to your doctor today to find out if 3D mammography is right for you, and rest easy knowing that, either way, Radiology Associates has you covered. To learn more about tomosynthesis, visit one of the sites below:
- cancer.gov
- radiologyinfo.gov
- acr.org
- hologic.com