Edward Hospital now offers three-dimensional (3D) mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, for breast cancer screening.
3D mammography looks and feels like a traditional mammogram. It takes a few seconds longer because multiple x-ray images of the breast are taken from a variety of angles to produce a series of one-millimeter thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast. The 3D images are clearer and eliminate overlapping structures throughout the breast, which is not possible with traditional mammography. Radiologists can then individually review the slices that make up the entire 3D image, similar to turning the pages in a book.
“We believe 3D mammography will benefit all screening and diagnostic mammography patients, and is especially valuable for women receiving a baseline screening, those who have dense breast tissue and/or women with a personal or family history of breast cancer,” says Darius Gilvydis, MD, Medical Director of Breast Imaging, Edward Hospital and a diagnostic radiologist with Naperville Radiologists.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.
3D mammography:
- Has a significantly higher cancer detection rate, up to 20%, than conventional 2D mammography.
- Helps radiologists “see through” overlapping tissue which results in an up to 40% reduction in patients being called back for second look.
- Has a faster turnaround time for results, which helps ease patient anxiety.
- Uses a slight increase in radiation compared to 2D imaging, but is still well below established guidelines. And, in many instances, 3D mammography reduces the number of exposures the patient is subjected to because of its ability to separate out overlapping tissue.
- Is appropriate and available for all screening and diagnostic patients. There are no requirements to be met, such as breast density or risk factors.
For more information and to view a video about 3D mammography, visit www.edward.org/breastcenter. To schedule a 3D mammography appointment, call (630) 527-3200.
