5 things you should know about 3-D Mammography

There’s a new weapon in the arsenal against breast cancer.

It’s 3-D mammography, the next generation of technology for detecting breast cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

The McLaren Macomb Breast Center was one of the first in the area to offer this type of mammography, which is used in combination with conventional 2-D mammography.

"Our 3-D technology may be especially helpful for women who are at high risk for breast cancer or those who have a family history of breast cancer,” said Pat Keigher, director of the McLaren Macomb Breast Center and the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center.

While digital, 2-D mammography is still the gold standard, this supplemental procedure is beneficial for patients who have dense breast tissue or for women who are ages 40 to 60. It’s also suggested for a person’s baseline mammogram (the first one that doctors will use to compare later changes).

Why 3-D?

Tomosynthesis 3-D imaging offers greater clarity than ever before. It reconstructs a series of super-thin, breast image slices into a 3-D view of the breast.

“It allows the radiologist to view tissue images 1 millimeter at a time,” Keigher said. “It also helps the radiologist to characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.”

These images help doctors to target the shape, size and location of an abnormality.
“We get exceptionally sharp images,” Keigher said, “so it helps to reduce the need for calling back patients if something looks suspicious. That means less patient anxiety.”

Does 3-D cost more?

There’s no additional cost for the 3-D portion of a mammogram at McLaren Macomb. The patient is billed as usual, for a 2-D procedure.

Does it take more time?

It takes almost the same time as 2-D mammography. No additional compression of the breast is needed and the process is only about 4 seconds longer.

Am I exposed to more radiation?

It’s a safe, low-dose exposure. The total X-ray dose for both the 2-D and 3-D combined is less than the mandated limits set by the FDA.

How do I get the new 3-D imaging?

Ask your doctor to write it in the prescription. He or she can add “3-D” to the comments section. McLaren Macomb offers this service at two locations:

• McLaren Macomb Breast Center (on the hospital campus),
  1000 Harrington, Mount Clemens
  Phone: (586) 493-3790

Or at the Clinton Township location (formerly Harper Metro),

• 36561 Harper Ave., Suite F,
  near Metropolitan Parkway
  Phone: (586) 791-0620

To schedule an appointment, call the McLaren Macomb Breast Center at
(586) 493-3790.

Appointments are usually available within 48 hours. For more information about 3D mammography, please visit mclaren.org/3Dtomo.