Questions and Answers about 3D Mammography
What should I expect during the 3D mammography exam?
A 3D mammography exam is very similar to having a traditional 2D mammogram. Like a 2D mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take images from different angles. There’s no additional compression required with 3D mammography, and it only takes a few seconds longer for each view.
Why 3D mammography?
3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40%. This means one simple thing: early detection. 3D mammography allows doctors to see masses and distortions associated with cancers and precancerous cells significantly more clearly than conventional 2D mammography. Instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with traditional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.
Who can have a 3D mammography exam?
3D mammography is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram. Multiple clinical studies show that all women, regardless of breast type or density, benefit from 3D mammography.
What about radiation?
Very low x-ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same as a film screen mammogram. The total patient dose of a 3D mammogram is well within the FDA safety standards for mammography.
What about insurance coverage?
Many plans, but not all, cover 3D mammography. Patients are advised to check with their insurance company about coverage. Medicare and Medicaid cover this technology.
Information is provided by Hologic, the manufacturers of the Genius 3D Mammography technology. The Genius 3D Mammography exam is the first and only clinically superior breast tomosynthesis exam approved by the FDA.