3D Digital Breast Tomosysnthesis is here!

We’re excited to let you know we’re now offering an advanced form of mammography called 3D or Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) With DBT, the x-ray tube moves in an arc over the compressed breast capturing multiple images of each breast from different angles.  These digital images are then reconstructed or “synthesized” into a set of three-dimensional images by a computer.  These three dimensional image sets help minimize the tissue overlap that can hide cancers or make it difficult to distinguish normal overlapping tissue from tumors.  3D Mammography has the ability to detect an average of 41% more invasive breast cancers and also reduce call back rates by 15%.  Additionally, the radiation dose from the 3D mammogram is only ever so slightly more than a 2D digital mammogram.  Every two minutes there’s a new breast cancer diagnosis made.   Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer is often linked to early diagnosis.  3D Mammography plays a critical role in early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your physician can feel them.  For your mammogram we’ll ask you to change into a gown.  If you’re wearing any powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume on your breast or under arm area we’ll ask you to thoroughly wash these products off – if left on your skin they can show up on the mammogram mimicking an abnormality.  During mammography your breast is placed on a cassette, compressed with a paddle and exposed to a small dose of radiation to produce an image.  Compression of your breast is necessary to allow for minimal x-ray dosage and maximum tissue visualization.  If you experience breast tenderness as part of your monthly cycle it may be best to schedule your appointment before or after that time to avoid any discomfort from the mild compression we use.  As with all radiologic exams be sure to let your technologist know, before your exam, if there’s any chance you might be pregnant.  Occasionally the initial mammographic images don’t provide enough information to determine whether something is normal or abnormal.  If a finding or spot seems suspicious, the radiologist may recommend additional views or further diagnostic studies.

• Breast Imaging Services we offer:
• Screening mammography – no order from your provider needed, just their name to send results to.  The American Cancer Society recommends screening mammography every year for women beginning at age 40.
• Diagnostic mammography – a problem solving exam (when a lump or other abnormality needs to be evaluated) directed by our on-site radiologist
• Computer Aided Detection (CAD) – a computer program that uses pattern recognition to assist the radiologist in looking for breast abnormalities on your mammogram
• Breast MRI with CAD – another modality used in problem solving of questionable mammogram results
• Stereotactic and ultrasound guided biopsies – tissue sampling without having to undergo a surgical procedure
• Ductography – to evaluate the source of abnormal nipple discharge
• Needle localization – for surgical planning

Spend 15 minutes getting your mammogram to help guard against this serious disease.  Digital Breast Tomosynthesis mammography is now available at Central Peninsula Hospital.  If you had a mammogram at another facility be sure to let us know so we can get to work obtaining your prior exams.  The radiologist will look closely at all your studies to uncover any small changes that have occurred from year to year and send the results to your provider.  We’ll also mail (snail or -email) you a letter to let you know whether your exam is normal or requires additional imaging.  Schedule your mammogram today: (907) 714-4542