3-D Digital Mammography
3-D mammograms use technology to create 3-D images of the breast. This technology may make it easier for doctors to find cancers in women with dense breasts. 3-D mammography is also called breast tomosynthesis.
Why 3-D digital mammography is performed
For years, doctors have used 2-D mammograms to look for breast cancer. But it is difficult to detect cancer in women with dense breasts using traditional 2-D mammograms because dense breast tissue and cancers can look the same on the produced image. 3-D mammograms generate an image that may more accurately detect cancer in women with dense breasts.
What to expect
Getting a 3-D mammogram feels exactly like getting a traditional mammogram. You will wear a hospital gown and stand in front of the mammogram machine. The technician will ask you to uncover your breast and will help position it against a platform. When your breast is in place, a plastic plate will gradually compress your breast tissue between the plate and platform. X-rays will pass through your breast to take pictures of the inside of your breast.
You will feel some pressure as your breast is compressed, but you shouldn’t feel pain. (If you feel pain, let your technician know.) You will be asked to stand still and hold your breath briefly while the technician takes the pictures.
Your breasts will be compressed, and pictures will be taken, from a variety of angles. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
Risks of any mammogram include exposure to low-dose radiation. Because a 3-D mammogram typically takes longer than a 2-D mammogram, you may be exposed to more radiation. Other risks of 3-D mammogram include false positives (the test might indicate cancer, when there is none) and false negatives (the test might miss cancer). Talk to your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of 3-D mammography.
Recovery after 3-D digital mammography
You will be able to resume your usual activities immediately after your mammogram. Results may be available the same day, or within a few days.
