Breast cancer is a health risk for many women, as millions are diagnosed each year. Regular mammograms are an effective tool that can detect breast cancer early on. It is important to get regular mammograms as it is an integral part of women’s health. Mammography has advanced over the years, and there are both traditional mammograms and 3D mammography. You may wonder, how is a 3D mammography different? Below you will find more information on 3D mammography and its benefits.
How Is a 3D Mammography Different?
A 3D digital mammography in Houston is different from traditional mammography. It is an imaging test that creates a three-dimensional picture of your breast by combining multiple breast X-rays. Traditional mammography only provides a 2D image. 3D mammography can be used to look for breast cancer in people who have no signs of the issue, or to investigate the cause of breast issues. Some breast issues include a mass, pain, or even nipple discharge.
One of the major benefits of 3D mammography is that it can reduce the need for additional imaging. In fact, studies have shown that combining traditional and 3D mammograms increases the number of cancers detected during screening, in addition to reducing the need for additional imaging. While 3D imaging is becoming more popular, it is not available everywhere. Consult your provider to determine if they offer 3D breast cancer screening.
Benefits of 3D Mammography
A 3D mammogram is used to screen for breast cancer, but it can also be used to investigate any issues found in a traditional mammogram. Combining a traditional mammogram with a 3D mammogram can offer a number of benefits. Consider the following if you are due for your regular mammogram.
Reduces Follow-Up Testing:
3D mammograms reduce the need for follow-up imaging due to their effectiveness. Abnormalities that are detected during initial mammograms require follow-up imaging. This is customary and a necessary part of ensuring early detection. Additional imaging often causes patients a lot of anxiety despite being fairly routine. Combining a traditional mammogram and 3D mammography can reduce your need for additional imaging.
Increased Detection:
3D mammography has been found to detect slightly more cancers than just getting a traditional mammogram alone. For those who do not want to get additional screening (unless it’s necessary), combining a traditional and 3D mammogram can be helpful in avoiding the anxiety of more imaging. This approach can also slightly increase your chances of detecting issues early on.
Improve Detection in Dense Breasts:
Women with dense breasts are at a higher risk for getting breast cancer. Breast tissue is made of milk glands, ducts, supportive tissue, and fatty tissue. Dense breasts have larger amounts of dense breast tissue as compared to fatty tissue. Both types of tissue, dense and fatty tissue, appear the same on a traditional mammogram. However, 3D imaging can improve breast cancer detection among patients with dense breast tissue as it can differentiate between the types of breast tissue. 3D imaging allows doctors to see through the dense areas to effectively examine your entire breast.
Breast Cancer Screening
It is recommended that women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screened by age 40. Those who are at higher risk may need to get their first screening much sooner. It’s important to consult with your women’s health provider about when and how often you should be screened. Roughly 13% of American women develop breast cancer at some point in their life. The team at Pink Door Imaging offers 3D digital mammography with fast, effective, and accurate results. Avoid putting off your next mammogram and schedule an appointment for a 3D mammogram today!