C
%Start 3D mammogram - Mayo Clinic
visibility
673 views
thumb_up
13 likes
L
A 3D mammogram is used to look for breast cancer in people who have no signs or symptoms. It can also be used to investigate the cause of breast problems, such as a breast mass, pain and nipple discharge.
thumb_up
36 likes
O
When used for breast cancer screening, 3D mammogram machines create 3D images and standard 2D mammogram images. Studies show that combining 3D mammograms with standard mammograms reduces the need for additional imaging and slightly increases the number of cancers detected during screening.
thumb_up
45 likes
S
But more study is needed to understand whether 3D mammograms may reduce the risk of dying of breast cancer more than a standard mammogram alone. The 3D mammogram is becoming more common, but it isn't available at all medical facilities.
Schedule your mammogram at Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic offers convenient online scheduling for screening mammograms.
thumb_up
37 likes
G
Whether you're already a patient or you're new to Mayo Clinic, make your appointment today. Schedule a screening mammogram
Products & Services
Book: Mayo Clinic The Menopause SolutionSign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource – Coping with CancerShow more products from Mayo ClinicWhy it s done
A 3D mammogram is used as a breast cancer screening test to look for breast cancer in people with no signs or symptoms of the disease.
thumb_up
31 likes
J
It can also be used to investigate breast problems, such as a suspicious lump or thickening. When used for breast cancer screening, the 3D mammogram machine creates 3D images and standard 2D mammogram images because both types of images have some advantages in seeing certain breast abnormalities.
thumb_up
30 likes
L
Combining a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram can: Reduce the need for follow-up imaging. When doctors detect abnormalities on standard mammogram images, they may recommend additional imaging. Being called back for additional imaging can be stressful.
thumb_up
43 likes
B
It may take extra time and lead to additional costs. Combining a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram reduces the need for follow-up imaging. Detect slightly more cancers than a standard mammogram alone.
thumb_up
31 likes
L
Studies indicate that combining a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram can result in about one more breast cancer for every 1,000 women screened when compared with standard mammogram alone. Improve breast cancer detection in dense breast tissue. A 3D mammogram offers advantages in detecting breast cancer in people with dense breast tissue because the 3D image allows doctors to see beyond areas of density.
thumb_up
23 likes
J
Breast tissue is composed of milk glands, milk ducts and supportive tissue (dense breast tissue) and fatty tissue. Dense breasts have greater amounts of dense breast tissue than fatty tissue.
thumb_up
44 likes
O
Both dense breast tissue and cancers appear white on a standard mammogram, which may make breast cancer more difficult to detect in dense breasts. There isn't enough evidence to conclude that 3D mammograms can reduce the risk of dying of breast cancer more than a standard mammogram alone. For this reason, most guidelines for breast cancer screening don't specify that women should choose 3D mammograms over standard mammograms alone.
thumb_up
24 likes
A
More Information
Breast cancer Request an Appointment at Mayo ClinicRisks
A 3D mammogram is a safe procedure. As with every test, it carries certain risks and limitations, such as: Exposure to a low level of radiation. A 3D mammogram uses X-rays to create an image of the breast, which exposes you to a low level of radiation.
thumb_up
40 likes
M
Because a 3D mammogram is usually combined with a standard mammogram, the level of radiation may be greater than a standard mammogram alone. Some newer 3D mammogram machines can create both 3D and 2D images at the same time, which lowers the amount of radiation. The test may find something that turns out to not be cancer.
thumb_up
29 likes
R
A 3D mammogram may identify an abnormality that, after additional tests, turns out to be benign or consistent with normal tissue. This is known as a false-positive result, and it can cause unneeded anxiety if you undergo additional imaging and testing, such as a biopsy, to further assess the suspicious area.
thumb_up
15 likes
A
The test can't detect all cancers. It's possible for a 3D mammogram to miss an area of cancer, such as if the cancer is very small or if it's in an area that's difficult to see.
thumb_up
31 likes
V
How you prepare
To prepare for your 3D mammogram: Choose a facility that offers 3D mammograms. Though 3D mammograms are becoming more common, they aren't available everywhere. If you're interested in this test, ask your doctor whether it's available in your area.
thumb_up
28 likes
D
Check with your insurance provider. Not all insurance companies cover 3D mammograms.
thumb_up
32 likes
R
Check with your insurance provider before your test so that you'll know what types of costs to expect. Your insurance company may cover the standard mammogram portion of the test, while you'll be responsible for the cost of the 3D mammogram portion.
thumb_up
11 likes
Z
Schedule the test for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. If you haven't gone through menopause, that's usually during the week after your menstrual period.
thumb_up
40 likes
H
Your breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period. Bring your prior mammogram images.
thumb_up
9 likes
L
If you're going to a new facility for your 3D mammogram, gather any prior mammograms and bring them with you to your appointment so that the radiologist can compare them to your new images. Don't use deodorant before your mammogram. Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts.
thumb_up
38 likes
E
Metallic particles in powders and deodorants can interfere with the imaging.
What you can expect
At the testing facility, you're given a gown and asked to remove any necklaces and clothing from the waist up.
thumb_up
31 likes
L
To make this easier, wear a two-piece outfit that day. For the procedure itself, you stand in front of an X-ray machine equipped to perform 3D mammograms. The technician places one of your breasts on a platform and raises or lowers the platform to match your height.
thumb_up
14 likes
A
The technician helps you position your head, arms and torso to allow an unobstructed view of your breast. Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate.
thumb_up
12 likes
L
Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn't harmful, but you may find it uncomfortable or even painful. If you have too much discomfort, tell the technician.
thumb_up
28 likes
N
Next, the 3D mammogram machine will move above you from one side to the other as it collects images. You may be asked to stand still and hold your breath for a few seconds to minimize movement. The pressure on your breast is released, and the machine is repositioned to take an image of your breast from the side.
thumb_up
12 likes
N
Your breast is positioned against the platform again, and the clear plastic plate is used to apply pressure. The camera takes images again. The process is then repeated on the other breast.
thumb_up
26 likes
G
Results
The images collected during a 3D mammogram are synthesized by a computer to form a 3D picture of your breast. The 3D mammogram images can be analyzed as a whole or examined in small fractions for greater detail.
thumb_up
16 likes
W
For breast cancer screening purposes, the machine also creates standard 2D mammogram images. A doctor who specializes in interpreting imaging tests (radiologist) examines the images to look for abnormalities that may be breast cancer. If the radiologist sees anything unusual, he or she will use your standard mammogram and any older mammogram images that are available to determine whether additional testing is needed.
thumb_up
29 likes
L
Additional tests for breast cancer may include an ultrasound, an MRI or, sometimes, a biopsy to remove suspicious cells for testing in a lab by doctors who specialize in analyzing body tissue (pathology testing).
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Doctors & Departments Sept.
thumb_up
3 likes
V
16, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Philpotts LE, et al., eds. Tomosynthesis in screening mammography.
thumb_up
34 likes
M
In: Breast Tomosynthesis. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017.
thumb_up
12 likes
C
https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 11, 2018. AskMayoExpert.
thumb_up
38 likes
A
Breast cancer screening and options for supplemental screening in the dense breast (adult). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2017. Venkataraman S, et al.
thumb_up
31 likes
S
Breast imaging for cancer screening: Mammography and ultrasonography. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search.
thumb_up
8 likes
R
Accessed July 11, 2018. Breast tomosynthesis. RadiologyInfo.org.
thumb_up
14 likes
W
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=tomosynthesis. Accessed July 11, 2018.
thumb_up
25 likes
J
Alzaghal AA, et al. Applications of advanced breast imaging modalities.
thumb_up
39 likes
D
Current Oncology Reports. 2018;20:57. MQSA national statistics.
thumb_up
13 likes
J
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/MammographyQualityStandardsActandProgram/FacilityScorecard/ucm113858.htm.
thumb_up
25 likes
E
Accessed July 11, 2018.
Related
Breast cancer What is breast cancer? An expert explainsNews from Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic Minute: Determining if you have dense breasts Oct.
thumb_up
4 likes
G
13, 2022, 02:05 p.m. CDT Mayo Clinic expert offers guidance on supplemental screening for women with dense breast tissue Oct. 19, 2021, 04:31 p.m.
thumb_up
46 likes
H
CDT Klobuchar emphasizes importance of breast cancer screening at Mayo Clinic Oct. 14, 2021, 10:34 p.m.
thumb_up
33 likes
S
CDT Mayo Clinic Minute: Why breast cancer screening is important Oct. 05, 2021, 03:00 p.m.
thumb_up
4 likes
G
CDT Mayo Clinic Q and A: Mammograms and COVID-19 vaccine May 06, 2021, 03:15 p.m. CDT Show more news from Mayo Clinic
Products & Services
Book: Mayo Clinic The Menopause Solution Sign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource – Coping with Cancer Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic3D mammogram
AboutDoctors & DepartmentsAdvertisement
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
thumb_up
29 likes
D
Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices
Mayo Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20436773 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures 3D mammogram
thumb_up
46 likes
Similar Discussions
-
We have a locker room that lives well together Christophe Galtier continues to dismiss talk of rift between Neymar and Mbappe despite latest comments by PSG superstar
-
WATCH Where it all started Roger Federer as a ball boy at the 1993 Swiss Indoors in Basel
-
7 time NASCAR Cup Series winner Jimmie Johnson could make a comeback in 2023
-
Asia Cup 2022 When I came in to bat I had the belief I could hit sixes Naseem Shah on his fireworks against Afghanistan
-
Black Panther 2 Release Date In India Cast Teaser
-
New Year Photo Editor 2023 APK Download for Android
-
Lean Network APK Download for Android
-
Idle Beauty Salon Tycoon APK Download for Android
-
Clash of Lords 2 Clash Divin APK Download for Android
-
Le Louvre Abu Dhabi et la mal diction de Tout nkhamon
-
Marruecos rectifica y reconoce tener fronteras terrestres con Espa a Guerra Ucrania
-
SAPD investigating after man says he was slashed on face while walking along I 35 Sapd Crime
-
Isuzu MU X Gains High Clearance Off Road Steel Bumper Courtesy Of Hamer4x4 Carscoops Carscoops Isuzu
-
Here s how much you can put into your 401 k or IRA next year
-
See SpaceX s chopsticks in action stacking Starship rocket Digital Trends Spacex Starship
-
Sanders Green lead No 11 Oklahoma St past No 20 Texas University Of Texas College Football
-
Frog Detective 3 Corruption at Cowboy County Coming to Steam
-
How To Play As Mascots In NHL 23 The Nerd Stash
-
50 Times Famous People Shared Brilliant Comebacks That Definitely Left A Burn
-
How to Remove Apps from Apple Watch
-
ET File What It Is and How to Open One
-
Better Voice Assistants Could Make Surfing the Web Easier
-
Prime Members Can Send Gifts With Only an Email
-
Will CES 2021 Be the Battleground for New Computer Chips?
-
Roku s Streambar Is the Perfect Pal for Your TV
-
Compare Lamborghini Gallardo vs Lamborghini Huracan CarBuzz
-
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Full Specs Features and Price CarBuzz
-
Here s Why The New BMW Z4 Won t Get A Manual Gearbox CarBuzz
-
Google Pixel 7 Pro last minute leak has us worried Tom s Guide
-
New Features in SQL Server 2016 Dynamic Data Masking