3-D MAMMOGRAPHY IS A POWERFUL TOOL IN BREAST CANCER DETECTION.

In fact, studies show that 3-D mammograms are seven percent more accurate than traditional mammograms. Here’s what you need to know about 3-D mammograms. The board-certified OBGYNs at Women’s Pavilion of South Mississippi have extensive experience performing 3-D mammograms to accurately diagnose signs of breast cancer. Call (601) 268-9393. to schedule an appointment at our office in Hattiesburg today!

WHAT IS A 3D DIGITAL MAMMOGRAM?

By using technology similar to CT Scans, 3-D mammograms provide three-dimensional, detailed images of the breast. To see the breast from every angle, the machine moves around the breast, taking multiple X-rays. The images are then formed into 3-D on a computer.

BENEFITS OF 3D DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

3-D mammograms provide specific benefits to patients, including:

  • Improved Accuracy. 3D mammograms produce clear, full breast images. Therefore, radiologists are able to distinguish harmless abnormalities from potentially cancerous abnormalities. This results in fewer call backs and less stress for the patients.
  • Easier Detection. 3D mammograms make it easier for physicians to carefully examine each one millimeter layer of breast tissue to more accurately pinpoint shape and location of breast cancers.
  • Earlier Detection. Physicians who use 3D mammograms are able to detect smaller tumors earlier on. If breast cancer is caught in its early stages, patients are less likely to need extensive surgery or chemotherapy.

BENEFITS OF 3D DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

Younger women with dense breasts benefit the most from 3D mammography. However, all women who are getting regular mammograms should try a detailed, 3D mammogram.

LEARN MORE ABOUT 3D MAMMOGRAPHY

Have questions? We have the answers. 3D digital mammography, also known as DBT, or digital breast Tomosynthesis, DBT is the most significant technical improvement for breast cancer detection in years. Our OBGYN office in Hattiesburg, MS offers mammography services including 3D Mammography.

Call our office today to request an appointment. 

What is Mammography?

Mammography, also known as a mammogram, is the examination of the breast using x-rays. Mammography is considered the most effective tool for early breast tumor detection. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.

Our Practice uses digital mammography. Also known as a full-field digital mammography, digital mammography allows the radiologist to alter the orientation, magnification, brightness and contrast to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen. Computer-aided detection, or CAD, uses a digitized mammographic image to search for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the need for further analysis.

What are the advantages of digital mammography and computer-aided detection?
  • Compared to conventional mammography which takes 10-15 minutes, digital mammography images are taken in less than a minute.
  • The superior contrast resolution of digital mammography and its ability to manipulate images make for more accurate detection of breast cancers.
  • Computer-aided detection, or CAD, obtains a second, computerized reading in the hope of finding more cancers or more accurately gauging signs of malignancy.
  • Digital mammograms can be archived in various ways and easily retrieved, and copied.
How often should I have a mammogram?

Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society(ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.

When should I schedule my mammogram?
Before scheduling a mammogram, you should discuss problems in your breasts with your OBGYN. In addition, inform your OBGYN of hormone use, any prior surgeries, and family or personal history of breast cancer. Generally, the best time is one week following your period. Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. Always inform your x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
How should I prepare for a mammogram?

On the day of the exam:

  • Do not wear lotion, deodorant, or powder under your arms or on your breasts
  • Describe any problems you’re experiencing with your breasts with your technologist
  • Remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up. You will be given a gown that opens in the front.
What should I expect during this exam?

To image your breast, a x-ray technician will position you near the machine and your breast will be placed on a platform and compressed with a paddle. Breast compression is necessary in order to:

  • Even out the breast thickness – so that all of the tissue can be visualized.
  • Spread out the tissue – so that small abnormalities won’t be obscured.
  • Allow use of a lower x-ray dose.
  • Hold the breast still – to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.
  • Reduce x-ray scatter – to increase picture sharpness.

The technologist will go behind a glass shield while making the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions slightly between views. The process is repeated for the other breast. Routine views are a top-to-bottom and side view.

What will I experience during the procedure?
The exam takes about a half an hour. The technologist will apply compression on your breast and, as a result, you will feel pressure on the breast as it is squeezed by the compressor. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience some minor discomfort. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.

For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.

WEB RESOURCES
  • Medline Plus: Mammography
  • FAQ’s: Screening Mammogram’s
Women’s Pavilion of South MS is a group of dedicated physicians and nurse practitioners committed to providing you with the highest level of quality care as well as focusing on your individual needs and concerns.
Locations
Ellisville Office
1242 Highway 29 North
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 268-9393
Hours: Mon-Thru 7:40-5pm
Friday 7:40-1pm
Hattiesburg Office
5003 Hardy St Ste 350
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Phone: (601) 268-9393
Hours: Mon-Thru 7:40-5pm
Friday 7:40-1pm
Hattiesburg Office
6524 US Hwy 98 West
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Phone: (601) 268-9393
Hours: Mon-Thru 7:40-5pm
Friday 7:40-1pm
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