New technology makes mammograms even more precise
By Nicole Abinanti, MD, chief of women’s imaging, Novant Health

Time for a mammogram? Find a location near you

With breast cancer awareness month once again upon us, Novant Health Breast Center would like to make everyone aware of a new technology being offered to our patients. Breast tomosynthesis, also referred to as 3-D mammography, is a new technology that currently is used as a complement to the standard digital mammography, also known as 2-D mammography.

Tomosynthesis allows a woman’s breast to be imaged from multiple angles. These angled images then provide one millimeter-thin images of the breast tissue, allowing for a three-dimensional review of the breast tissue to be performed. This detailed view helps radiologists visualize potential problems that may be hidden from sight by overlapping normal tissues, blood vessels, milk ducts and breast ligaments.

As a patient, there should be very little difference in the mammogram experience. Compression will still be used to immobilize the breast and even out the tissue. The only change in the exam is that a portion of the machine will move from one side to the other, taking multiple images in just a few seconds. This movement is the 3-D part of the examination. After 3-D imaging is completed, the machine will move back to the center and take the regular 2-D image, or standard mammogram pictures, that are required by the FDA. Each image takes only seven seconds to acquire.

With standard 2-D imaging, there are four views that are normally taken – two from the top and two angled from the side. Some women, however, require additional images due to the size and composition of their breast tissue. 3-D mammography uses the same images that are required with standard mammography.

Women who will most greatly benefit from tomosynthesis or 3-D mammography are those with dense breasts and those that have an increased risk of breast cancer. However, all women may benefit from a 3-D mammogram, as it has been shown to increase the cancer detection rate while decreasing the callback rate after screening mammography and unnecessary biopsies.

Because 3D technology is not yet covered by most insurance companies, we will bill insurance for a standard 2-D digital mammogram. The charge for the additional tomosynthesis is an additional $45 at the time of the examination.

You can usually expect to receive your mammogram results in the mail within two weeks of your examination if the examination is normal. Even with 3-D mammography, there are still some findings that require additional imaging. If additional mammogram images or another ultrasound is needed, a member of the Novant Health team will contact you to schedule the additional testing.

Don’t delay; schedule your annual mammogram today! Call 704-384-7226 to make an appointment at one of nine convenient Novant Health Breast Center locations. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available as well. If you think 3-D mammography is appropriate for you, simply request it when you call and we’ll be glad to schedule you at our Novant Health Breast Center location adjacent to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.