How Do I Prepare For A 3D Mammogram

Breast cancer affects millions of women worldwide each year. In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Annual mammogram screenings are strongly encouraged by women’s health and breast imaging experts starting at 40 when the risk of breast cancer begins to increase. Over the years, advancements in medical imaging techniques have revolutionized breast imaging. One of these imaging techniques is a 3D mammogram.

For many women, an annual screening mammogram may pose many daunting questions: what happens during the study, what happens if I get abnormal results, and is it uncomfortable? Proper preparation and understanding of what a 3D mammogram can do will help provide many of these answers.

What Is A 3D Mammogram?

Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, a 3D mammogram is an advanced breast imaging technique that is used to examine breast tissue for any abnormalities including tumors, lumps, and other conditions. 3D mammograms capture high-resolution images called “slices,” that create a three-dimensional view of the breast. Like traditional (2D) mammograms, 3D mammograms use a series of X-rays to capture these images at various angles.

What Are The Benefits Of A 3D Mammogram?

In comparison to traditional (2D) mammograms, 3D mammograms offer several benefits. An annual screening 3D mammogram offers the following benefits:

• Improved Detection Rates: 3D mammograms provide a clearer, more detailed view of the breast tissue that improves breast cancer detection rates by 40%.
• Reduced Recall Rates: Traditional (2D) mammograms may result in false positives that cause unnecessary stress and additional imaging. Due to improved accuracy, 3D mammograms reduce the chances of false positives and the need for additional imaging, to save you time and money.
• Covered By Health Insurance Providers: Most health insurance providers cover the cost of an annual breast screening in full. Since January 2018, New Jersey State Law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for annual screening 3D mammograms. It is important to check with your health insurance’s benefits administrator to ensure your health insurance company offers this coverage. Out-of-state, federal, or employer-owned health insurance plans do not have to comply with the state legislature.
• Breast Cancer Detection in Dense Tissue: In younger women, it is more common to have dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities. Traditional (2D) mammograms have trouble separating overlapping areas of breast tissue, which may obscure results. 3D mammograms can more effectively separate the different levels of breast tissue and can be used to measure breast tissue density in women.

How Do I Prepare?

The preparation for a 3D mammogram is very straightforward and doesn’t differ from the preparation for a traditional (2D) mammogram. Here are the general guidelines to follow:

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing any two-piece clothing sets to avoid needing to change into a gown.
• Avoid wearing any deodorants, powders, or moisturizers. These hygienic products can interfere with the results of the mammogram.
• Schedule your mammogram during a time when your breasts are least tender. Ideally, 1 week after your menstrual cycle works the best to limit discomfort.
• Make sure your breast imaging provider has your previous mammogram results. These images are a valuable reference point to determine changes in your breast health over time.
• Ask questions. Our patient service representatives and mammography technologists are here to help. Any questions or worries you may have can always be discussed with a person from our team.

When Do I Get My Results?

After your annual screening mammogram, one of our breast imaging experts will review the results and develop a comprehensive report. After 24 – 48 hours, the results will be available to you via our patient portal. In addition to the results being available to you, your results will be sent to your general physician to be discussed. Depending on your results, one of our breast imaging experts may advise further evaluation to rule out any abnormalities.

Why Should I Get A 3D Mammogram At Larchmont?

Larchmont Medical Imaging provides diagnostic and advanced women’s imaging studies in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. As a trusted, comprehensive women’s imaging provider, our team of experts will be there every step of the way. Across our four convenient locations, we offer 3D mammogram studies that take less than 15 minutes. With same-day and next-day appointments available, making your breast health a priority has never been easier.

To schedule your 3D mammogram appointment, fill out a request an appointment form or reach out to any of the following locations below:

• Medford Women’s Center – Medford, NJ
• Mount Laurel Women’s Center – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Moorestown Office – Moorestown, NJ
• Willingboro Office – Willingboro, NJ

Meet our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read and interpret our studies at Larchmont Medical Imaging here.