Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. To treat it, you must find it. Your very best defense is early detection and diagnosis, made possible through an annual screening mammogram. Every day, we commit ourselves to match our compassionate care for women with state-of-the-art mammogram technology.

 

3D Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam often referred to as a mammogram, is a revolutionary procedure to detect breast cancer in the earliest stages. It is very helpful in finding tumors before they grow big enough to spread further. Computer Aided Detection (CAD) is also utilized as an adjunct to help radiologists detect subtle cancers.

Imaging Specialists is proud to offer the latest technology that gives every woman her best chance for an early and accurate diagnosis; 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Unlike traditional digital mammograms, tomosynthesis technology acquires multiple thin-slice images of the breast. This allows the doctor to evaluate the breast tissue in individual segments and greater detail, resulting in more accurate identification of suspicious breast lesions.

Traditional mammograms decrease sensitivity in women with dense breasts or when breast tissue overlaps. The result can be unclear images.

  • Up to 30% of cancers go undetected by standard mammography.

  • 52-76% of cancers are missed in dense breast tissue, where tumors are more challenging to identify. That changes with 3D breast tomosynthesis.

At Imaging Specialists, our comprehensive imaging center is the uncontested leader in technology and an American College of Radiology mammography accredited facility for demonstrating the highest quality patient care.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A 3D MAMMOGRAM

From some patients' point-of-view, there may be slight discomfort during the actual exam, as to get a high-quality picture, the breast must be compressed. However, our new machines offer a more comfortable mammography experience for patients due to their curved compression surface that mirrors the shape of the breast.

  • You'll have to undress above the waist to get a mammogram, and your technologist will give you a warm wrap to wear.

  • The technologist will position your breasts for the mammogram.

  • The technologist places your breast on the machine's plate. The upper plate is lowered to compress your breast for a few seconds while the technologist takes a picture. Typically, two views of each breast are taken.

  • The tube moves in a 50-degree arc around the breast, taking 25 images during the exam. Those images are sent to a computer and assembled into a three-dimensional picture of the breast.

  • The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes; however, the actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds each time.

  • We suggest you do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam, as these substances may interfere with the mammogram.