Breast Health
When a lump was found my primary care doctor got me in right away for a 3D mammogram. I was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Walling and oncology treatment with Dr. McLeod. All in the same week, with doctors who cared about getting me back to full health.
At Summit Health, our experienced team of breast health experts includes primary care providers, oncologists, surgeons and imaging specialists. Our advanced digital imaging technology, including MRIs, 3D mammography, and ultrasounds, helps make early detection possible.
We offer mammograms to women beginning at age 40 and continuing annually. This annual screening makes remembering to get your annual mammogram straightforward and easy. Despite some differences in guidelines in recent years, everyone agrees this approach saves the most lives.
We know when to start your mammograms, how often to get them and also when it’s reasonable to stop is your personal choice. You may want something different than beginning at age 40 and continuing annually. Our providers are here to partner with you in your care. If you would like guidance, your provider can help you choose. Ask specific questions or just ask for help. We have the answers to enable you to make the best, informed decision that’s right for you. We do this every day and love what we do.
3D Mammography
3D Mammography is an extraordinary breakthrough in cancer screening and detection. Our new 3D breast tomosynthesis system delivers greater clarity, more certainty and is bringing a new dimension to breast health. This innovative technology allows radiologists to see breast tissue detail in a way never before possible to help find breast cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable. It has also been proven to reduce the need for follow-up breast exams.
Call us today to learn more and to schedule your 3D mammogram at 541-382-4900.
Now that 3D mammography is available at our facility, you may have some questions. We’ve prepared this short Q&A to help answers any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to call us 541-382-4900.
3D Mammography
What is a 3D mammography breast exam?
3D mammography is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram.
During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over your breast, taking multiple breast images. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of your breast tissue in one millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible. They can scroll through images of your entire breast like pages of a book.
The additional 3D images make it possible for a radiologist to gain a better understanding of your breast tissue during screening and the confidence to reduce the need for follow-up.
Why is there a need for tomosynthesis breast exams? What are the benefits?
With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in a one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area.
By looking at the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, the radiologist can provide a more confident assessment. In this way, 3D mammography finds cancers missed with conventional 2D mammography. It also means there is less chance your doctor will call you back later for a “second look,” because now they can see breast tissue more clearly.
What is the difference between a screening and diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year. Sometimes the radiologist may ask you to come back for follow-up images which is called a diagnostic mammogram to rule out an unclear area in the breast or if there is a breast complaint that needs to be evaluated.
What should I expect during the 3D mammography exam?
3D mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system. There is no additional compression required, and it only takes a few more seconds longer for each view.
Is there more radiation dose?
Very low X-ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same amount as a traditional mammogram done on film.
Who can have a 3D mammography exam?
It is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram, in both the screening and diagnostic settings.