Any discussion of mammograms should start with this key fact: They can find breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat successfully. That’s true whether you get a 2D mammogram or a 3D one. What matters most is getting screened regularly, often starting at age 40. That said, there can be advantages to getting a 3D mammogram.
What’s a 3D mammogram?
Mammograms use x-rays to see inside the breasts. Radiologists examine these images for abnormalities in breast tissue (like a mass) that may be signs of cancer. In fact, a mammogram can find a lump while it’s still too small for you or your doctor to feel during a self-check or a clinical breast exam.
There are two kinds of mammograms. Carson Valley Health (CVH) offers both:
· 2D mammograms. During a 2D mammogram, two images are taken of each breast (from top to bottom and side to side). This produces a flat image of each breast.
· 3D mammograms. This technology takes many pictures of each breast from different angles. When these pictures are assembled by software and viewed on a screen, the result is a series of 3D slices of the breast tissue. Imagine removing a loaf of bread and viewing each slice. A 3D mammogram is like that.
An improved approach to breast cancer screening
Again, just so we’re clear, both 2D and 3D mammograms can detect breast cancer early. But 3D mammograms make more detailed images than 2D mammograms, which may give them an edge. For example, they can:
· Find more cancers than standard 2D mammograms. They help the radiologist see better through overlapping layers of breast tissue to spot potential cancers that might otherwise be hidden.
· Find cancer better in dense breast tissue. Many women have dense (nonfatty) breast tissue, which can hide breast cancer. Both types of tissue look white on a mammogram. A 3D mammogram makes it easier to find cancers in women with dense breasts. If you’ve had a mammogram before, your results should have told you if you have dense breasts.
· Reduce false alarms. Sometimes women are called back for more tests after their mammogram because something of concern was found. Most of the time, these women don’t have cancer, but it’s important to take a closer look. Still, that experience can be stressful. And it may lead to more tests and maybe a biopsy. A 3D mammogram can reduce these false positives.
If you have questions about whether a 3D mammogram is the best choice for you, talk with your doctor. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance plan about coverage, if you have questions.
Schedule your breast cancer screening today!
You do not need a referral from your doctor for a screening mammogram. The CVH medical imaging department offers high-quality mammograms, including Saturday appointments.
To schedule your mammogram, please call 775.782.1533.
