What is Mammography?
What is Mammography?
Mammography uses low-dose x-rays to examine the breast. Mammograms are important for early detection of breast cancers because they can show slight changes in the breast before a patient or healthcare provider can feel them. Mammograms are considered the most effective tool for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancers, which medical experts agree is essential for successful treatment.
3D Mammography
A BETTER Mammogram
What is 3D mammography? Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) or 3D mammography, can produce clearer high-quality images. This is particularly helpful in women with dense breast tissue, as it allows clearer images of that dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can mask abnormalities or create false positives on images. The 3D image allows radiologists to see beyond areas of density. The breasts are made up of dense breast tissue and fatty breast tissue. Dense breast tissue includes the milk glands, milk ducts and supportive tissue in the breast.
How does 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) compare to 2D mammography?
2 D mammogram takes one image from the top and one from the side. 3D mammogram takes multiple images in an arc-like pattern, creating a detailed image.
Both 2D and 3D use low-dose x-ray and the breast positioning on a flat support and compressed between two horizontal plates.
2D mammogram takes about 2-3 seconds while the 3D mammogram takes about 4 seconds.
2D is the Gold Standard imaging procedure for breast cancer screenings. While 3D is more sensitive in detecting cancers in dense breast tissue in screening and diagnostic exams.
Who should have a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms beginning at age 40 for women who are a normal risk of breast cancer. Those women who have had breast cancer or at an increased risk due to genetic history should talk with their healthcare provider to see if they should receive annual mammograms before age 40 is the recommendation by the National Cancer Institute.
Before scheduling a mammogram, you should discuss any problems or pain in your breasts with your doctor. Generally, the best time to schedule a mammogram is one week following your period. Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time.
How do I prepare for a mammogram?
Mammograms do not require any special preparation as they are quick and non-invasive. However, there are a few things to remember on the day of your mammogram:
- Do not wear lotion, deodorant or powder under your arms or on your breasts
- Describe any breast problems you are experiencing with your technologist
- Remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up
Always inform your technologist if there is any possibility you are pregnant
What should I expect during a mammogram?
To image your breast, an x-ray technologist will position you near the machine and your breast will be placed on a platform with a special pad and compressed with a paddle. Breast compression is not meant to be painful, but it is necessary to:
- Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities aren’t obscured
- Reduce radiation dose and improve picture sharpness
- Hold the breast still to eliminate image blurring
The technologist will go behind a glass shield while the image is generated. You will be asked to change positions slightly between images—typically twice per breast—to ensure a comprehensive view of both breasts. Mammograms typically only take about 10 minutes. When your examination is over, you may resume your normal daily activities unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. One of our board-certified radiologists will review the images and send a report to your healthcare provider.
