The Benefits of Receiving a 3D Mammography

3D mammography is a newer form of breast imaging. Traditionally, women have undergone mammograms that use X-rays to create 2D images of breast tissue. With 3D mammography, doctors can provide earlier and more accurate cancer detections, as well as identify smaller cancers. Read on to learn how receiving a 3D mammography can significantly put your mind at ease over receiving the alternative.

What is 3D mammography?

Women who receive a cancer diagnosis are often surprised to learn that mammography can be performed at any age, not just for middle-aged women and up. Although the process can be somewhat uncomfortable, a breast examination is quick and easy. There are two types of mammograms, traditional (2D) and 3D.

3D mammography is a type of mammography that uses additional X-ray slices to create 3-dimensional images of the breasts. Doctors may use it independently or in conjunction with a 2D mammography, which takes only one X-ray image at a time and shows the length and width of the breast. 3D imaging provides 300 images, resulting in more information about one’s breast tissue, allowing the doctor to see the density and whether or not there are nodules or other abnormalities present.

Top Benefits of 3D Mammography

Earlier detections in dense tissue

One of the main benefits of 3D mammograms is that they provide more accurate images of the entire breast tissue than 2D. This makes it easier to identify tumors and microcalcifications, which are small calcium deposits, possibly indicating cancerous cells that may be hidden under overlapping tissues.

More accurate detections of smaller cancers

3D mammography can detect tumors that are too small to be seen on traditional digital or 2D mammograms. It also helps the doctor determine whether a suspicious area is solid or fluid-filled. This is important because many benign lesions show up as masses on a 2D mammogram and turn out to be fluid cysts when examined by 3D mammography.

Reduce chances of false positives

A false positive result occurs when a mammogram test shows something suspicious, but further tests determine no cancers are present in the breast. This can cause significant emotional distress. Fortunately, multiple studies have shown 3D mammography to provide significantly fewer false positives than 2D mammography alone.

Fewer callbacks to the office

3D mammography results in fewer callbacks than traditional 2D mammography since 3D imaging allow radiologists to see more abnormalities in the breast tissue. In addition, this procedure has the ability to provide high-resolution images. The main reasons the patient will need to return to the office are:

• Tumors larger than 5cm or spiculated masses that show up in 2D but not 3D
• Women over the age of 50 have an increased risk of developing breast cancer (the doctor may recommend a baseline digital mammogram)
• Suspicion of two types o tissue in one breast that needs further evaluation
• A suspicious area that is too large to be seen clearly by 3D mammography alone and needs further investigation with an additional view such as an MRI or ultrasound

Schedule your 3D mammography today

We hope this information has helped you learn the benefits of 3D mammography. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact our Fairfax office. Our team is here to help in any way we can.

Request an appointment here: https://millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care at (703) 372-4429 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.

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