3D Mammography

3D mammography uses x-rays to create an image of the inside of the breast using a low dose of radiation. The breast tissue can be viewed from many angles making it easier to see abnormalities within the breast.

Preparation

You may want to dress comfortably and wear a 2-piece outfit because you will need to undress above the waist. You should not wear any type of powders, deodorants, ointments, or creams when you come for your mammograms because it can affect the quality of your pictures. You may want to avoid scheduling your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time to have your mammogram done is one week following your period.

Important things to tell your technologist:

• If you have breast implants
• If you have a personal history of breast cancer
• If you have a family history of breast cancer
• If you have any lumps, pain, nipple inversion, or dimpling of the breast
• Where and when your last mammogram was done
• If you are pregnant

Note: The imaging staff is trained to acquire images for a radiologist to review. The radiologist is specially trained to look at x-ray studies and make a diagnosis off of them. The imaging staff is not fully trained to do so, therefore we will not be able to give you results at the time of your exam.

You do not need an order from your practitioner to schedule your yearly screening mammogram. Call us at 833.662.2273 to schedule today! Remember to check with your insurance company on the coverage of your mammograms.

• If you are having any problems with your breasts, contact your healthcare provider and they will instruct you if you need to schedule a special mammogram.
• After your mammogram is performed and the results are finalized, we will mail you a letter directly to your home with those results in it. If there is any concern with your mammogram pictures, we will call you directly to give you those results and any further instructions.

Breast Cancer Information

Risk Factors:

• Age — as we grow older, our risk for breast cancer increases.
• Personal history of breast cancer or other cancers.
• Family history of breast cancer — although important to note that 80-90% of breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history.
• Menstrual period beginning at an early age — prior to age 12.
• First pregnancy after age 30, or having no pregnancies at all.
• Obesity and alcohol use may increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Estrogen therapy — taking hormone therapy may increase the chance of developing breast cancer. Birth control pills do not appear to increase the risk of breast cancer.

How You Can Help Yourself:

• Breast Self-Exam (BSE) — you should know how your breasts normally feel. This will aid you in quickly detecting any changes in your breasts. You should report any changes promptly to your healthcare provider.
• Clinical Breast Exam—during your 20’s and 30’s you should have a breast exam done about every three years by your healthcare provider. After age 40, you should have this done every year.
• Mammography—Between the ages of 35-39, you should have a baseline mammogram. After age 40, you should have a mammogram every year. Mammograms may be recommended at an earlier age if there is a strong family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.