The Women’s Center uses the latest in digital mammography to test for breast abnormalities, including 3-D mammography. Besides providing a more comfortable method of testing, digital screening detects cancer 28 percent more often in women under 50 and in those who have dense breast tissue.
The resulting images can be viewed at different angles, adjusted for contrast and brightness, and magnified. Because a more thorough viewing of test results is possible, digital screening can aid in earlier diagnosis of breast cancer and fewer callback visits. Digital tests also require less exposure to radiation than film-based X-rays.
Another benefit is that your physician is able to view the digital image via the Internet as soon as your test is complete.
Earlier diagnosis, earlier test results and earlier physician viewing of images are some more ways we assist you on your journey to breast health.
3-D Tomosynthesis Mammography
Over the last several years, there has been a move in technology when it comes to mammograms. Now one can choose to receive a 3-D mammogram instead of the traditional 2-D mammogram. But what is 3-D mammography? What makes it different?
3-D mammography produces a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue that helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures by reducing the effect of overlapping tissues.
The benefits of 3-D mammography are:
- Lower radiation dose. With the latest software technology, women will receive a slightly less radiation dose than the standard 2-D digital mammogram.
- Reduction in the frequency that women are called back for additional imaging.
- Detection of 41 percent more invasive breast cancers and reduction of false positives by up to 40 percent, according to Hologic Inc.
- Allows doctors to see masses and distortions associated with cancers significantly more clearly than conventional 2-D mammography.
All women who would undergo a standard mammogram are candidates for 3-D mammograms.
The technology of 3-D mammography was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011. Since then, the technology has continued to develop and improve, and more insurance companies are covering this service, as well. Cookeville Regional began providing 3-D mammograms for the Upper Cumberland in 2015.