About 3D Tomosynthesis

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Each year it is estimated that over 252,710 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,500 women will die from the disease. This why early detection is so important. With early detection, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. The latest weapon in the fight against breast cancer is 3D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis). This new technology has increased early detection over traditional mammograms, especially in women with dense breasts. Greater accuracy means better breast cancer detection.

Q: What is 3D mammogram? How is it different from regular mammograms?

A: 3D mammogram--also called breast tomosynthesis--is the one of the most advanced forms of breast cancer detection. It uses a very low level of radiation to take multiple pictures of the breast. The x-ray tube moves over the breast in an arc capturing multiple images of each breast from different angles. A computer reconstructs these pictures to create a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. A regular mammogram takes a single picture of the breast.

Q: What is the advantage of 3D mammogram?

A: One of the challanges of interpreting mammograms is normal dense breast tissue hiding breast cancer. Also, overlapping areas of normal dense breast tissue can look suspicious. This is why detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts is more difficult. The 3-dimensional images of breast tomosynthesis help decrease the tissue overlap that can obscure cancers. It also helps distinguish normal overlapping breast tissue from breast cancer.

Studies have shown that 3D mammograms significantly improve the detection of breast cancer, especially in women with denser breast tissue. It also picks up breast cancer at an earlier stage which may be missed by traditional mammography. 3D mammograms finds 20-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to traditional 2D mammograms, with an average increase of 41%.

Q: Is there increased radiation performing a 3D mammogram?

A: Mammograms expose patients to very low levels of radiation. The level of radiation exposure from a 3D mammogram is the same as that from a traditional mammogram. So a patient receives all the benefits without any increased risk.

With traditional mammograms when a radiologist finds an area that is suspicious, patients need to be called back for additional views. The multiple images created by 3-D mammograms have such increased accuracy that there is decreased need for this. On average 3D mammgrams reduce callbacks by up to 40% compared to traditional mammograms. This means less radiation exposure, increased convenience for our patients, and more peace of mind.

Q: What can I expect when having a 3D mammogram?

A: The process of a having a 3D mammogram is the same as a conventional 2D exam. The technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take images from different angles. There’s no additional compression required, and it only takes a few extra seconds.

Q: Do insurance companies cover 3D mammograms?

A: Medicare, and many private insurers, cover 3D mammograms. In the past, not all private insurance companies covered 3D mammograms. However in January 2018, New Jersey enacted a mandate requiring the major health insurers to cover 3D mammograms.

Toms River X-ray has been performing mammograms and catching early breast cancer for over 30 years. Our 3D mammogram is the latest on market and has the most advanced technology. It is our mission to provide the very best for our patients. We thank you for trusting us with your health and the health of your loved ones. We look forward to offering you this significant advance in breast cancer screening.