What is a 3D mammogram?
This exam, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis or "tomo," is an advanced technology in the fight against breast cancer that
allows doctors to examine your breast tissue one layer at a time. The imaging
system uses high-powered computing to convert digital breast images into a
stack of very thin layers or “slices” for your radiologist to review. A good analogy
for an exam is thinking of the pages in a book. If you look down at the
cover you cannot see all of the pages – but when you open it up, you can go
through the entire book page-by-page to see everything between the covers. A 3D mammogram exam was designed with the same concept in mind.
What to expect during your exam
A 3D mammogram exam is very similar to a traditional mammogram. Just as
with a digital mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress
your breast under a paddle and take images from different angles.
An exam may be used as a screening tool in conjunction with a
traditional digital mammogram or may be used by itself for a diagnostic
mammogram.
During the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the
breast, taking multiple breast images in just seconds. Your doctor is then
able to view your breast tissue in one millimeter layers. Instead of viewing
all the complexities of your breast tissue in one flat image, the doctor can
examine the tissue one page or “slice” at a time.
There is no additional compression required with the exam, and it
only takes a few seconds longer for each view. The technologist will view
the images at a computer workstation to ensure adequate images have
been captured for review by a radiologist, who studies them and reports
results to either your physician or directly to you.
Early detection is the key
Because our primary goal has always been to deliver
the highest quality care to our patients, we have added digital breast tomosynthesis to our breast health services.
We have chosen to offer the Genius 3D Mammography exam from Hologic because clinical studies show that
it is a more accurate mammogram.
Please call The Breast Health Center at 812-669-1607 to schedule your exam.
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