Mammography is an important medical test for women. Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about mammography and information on 3D Mammography, a new testing method.
Q. What is mammography?
A. Mammography is an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat.
Q. Who should have a mammography?
A. The American Cancer Society suggests women consider starting annual screening sometime between the ages of 40 to 44 to get a “baseline” mammogram and continue being screened every year until age 54. Women age 55 and up should consult their doctor to establish a screening routine that is appropriate for their health history.
Q. What is the difference between 2D and 3D mammography?
A. If you have had a mammography in the past, it was probably the traditional method, also called “2D mammography,” which produces digital images of your breasts for viewing by a radiologist. The brightness and contrast of the image can be adjusted and the radiologist can zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications (deposits of calcium), masses or other possible early signs of cancer.
The breast is three-dimensional, made up of blood vessels, milk ducts, fat and ligaments. To better view your breasts, 2D mammography can be supplemented with a revolutionary method called 3D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis). With 3D mammography, digital images of thin slices of the breast are taken from different angles. Computer software is used to reconstruct the slices into what is essentially a 3-Dimensional mammogram that can be examined one layer at a time.
Q. What are the benefits of 3D mammography?
A. Screening for breast cancer with 2D mammography together with 3D mammography has been shown to increase detection of cancer, especially for patients with dense breasts.
Q. Are there other types of breast screening exams?
A. If a mammogram shows you have dense breast tissue, an ultrasound screening is recommended for a complete evaluation. Screening breast MRI is another effective modality for breast cancer detection that may supplement your mammography.
Q. If I have dense breasts, do I only need an ultrasound?
A. No, mammograms are still the primary, most sensitive imaging method for finding breast cancer. Also, comparing your mammogram with a previous year’s exam allows small changes to be noticed. Mammogram is the only approved stand- alone screening imaging study for the breast. All others are considered adjunct or supplemental studies only.
Q. Does insurance cover 3D mammography?
A. Some, but not all, insurance companies currently cover 3D mammography. If your insurance does not cover it, facilities can charge for an out-of-pocket cost.
Norman Lee, M.D. is a board-certified radiologist with subspecialty fellowship training in breast imaging. He is the medical director of the Phelps Breast Imaging Center, which is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology’s Commission on Breast Imaging. Both 2D and 3D mammography, as well as breast MRI and breast ultrasound, are available at the Phelps Hospital (366-3440). Mammography (2D and 3D) and breast ultrasound are also available at Phelps Radiology in Croton-on-Hudson (269-1701) and in Dobbs Ferry (269-1991).
