Breast health

We are reshaping the mammography experience with comfort and superior diagnostic accuracy with the latest technology for 3D mammography.

The new 3D mammography exam helps ease patients’ anxiety and results in a better overall exam experience. This 3D mammogram exam also uses the same low dose as a standard 2D mammography exam.

Benefits of digital mammography

Compared to traditional 2D mammography, 3D mammography can offer the following benefits:

• It detects more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives. This means more accuracy.
• It allows doctors to see masses and distortions associated with cancers more clearly than conventional 2D mammography. Instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.

Computer-aided detection systems

Computer-aided detection systems search the images for abnormal areas that may indicate the presence of cancer. The detection system highlights potentially abnormal areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to the need for further analysis.

Mammogram recommendations

Women who are 40 years old and older should speak with their doctor about getting an annual mammogram.

Women who are between 20 and 39 years old and have a family member with breast cancer may be at an increased risk of getting the disease. Women with this risk factor should speak to their physicians about getting a mammogram before they are 40 years old.

The mammogram procedure

The 3D exam is very similar to having a conventional 2D mammogram. Like a 2D mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take images from different angles. There’s no additional compression required with a 3D exam, and it only takes a few seconds longer for each view.

The technologist will view the images of your breasts at the computer workstation to ensure quality images have been captured for review. A radiologist will then examine the images and report results to either your physician or directly to you.

Preparing for a mammogram

We strive to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their mammograms. One of the ways we lessen our patients' anxieties is by preparing them for their mammograms. We recommend the following:

• Before scheduling a mammogram, discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your physician.
• Inform your physician and technologist of any prior surgeries, hormone use and family or personal history of breast cancer.
• Always inform your physician or X-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
• Do not wear deodorant, powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts.
• Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
• If possible, obtain previous mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
• Ask when your results will be available. Do not assume that results are normal if you do not hear from your physician.

Women who have had breast cancer treatments, like chemotherapy or ovarian suppression, may be at an increased risk for osteoporosis and fracture. These treatments often reduce estrogen levels, and estrogen has a protective effect on the bones. Having less estrogen in the body therefore often results in reduced bone density.

That's why we DEXA bone density testing. These bone densitometry tests can help doctors assess your bone health. DEXA is a test in which a high-precision type of X-ray measures your bone mineral density and bone loss. If your bone density is lower than normal for your age, it indicates a risk for osteoporosis and other bone health issues. If this happens, we can help you better understand your bone health and treatment options.