Types of Mammograms
Genius™ 3D Mammography™
3D Mammography is the only mammogram that is FDA-approved as superior for women with dense breasts. 3D mammograms allow doctors to examine breast tissue layer by layer, providing better images of each breast.
Radiologists are able to more accurately screen, triage to biopsy, or dismiss a potential false positive — for women across a variety of ages and breast densities.
Why Choose 3D Mammography?
- Greater accuracy of breast cancer compared to 2D alone
- It finds 20-65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D mammography alone
- Reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40%
- Recommended for women of all ages, breast densities and a family history of breast cancer
SmartCurve™
SmartCurve mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast distributing pressure more evenly, reducing pinching of the breasts and compression. It is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable mammogram and patient experience without compromising image quality. Paired with Genius™ 3D mammography™, the system is clinically proven to detect 20-65% more breast cancers compared to 2D mammography.
Diagnostic Mammogram
When an abnormality in the breast has been detected through a screening mammogram or there is an obvious sign or symptom of breast cancer, a diagnostic mammogram will be performed. In a diagnostic mammogram, the breast is x-rayed from several angles to give more detailed images to aid in diagnosis. Diagnostic mammograms are also used for women with breast tissue that is difficult to evaluate through screening mammograms, such as in women with breast implants.
3D™ Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
3D-guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure performed onsite using 3D imaging. 3D imaging provides a more accurate target of lesions and allows the radiologist to sample the breast tissue using a specialized needle resulting in shorter procedure times. Most women can resume normal daily activities immediately following their procedure.
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
During the ultrasound-guided biopsy, sound waves are used to help locate any lumps or abnormalities. Patients lie on their back on a padded table with one arm raised above their head. The radiologist removes the suspicious cells in the breast using a special needle. The cells are then placed under a microscope for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40. Mammograms are non-invasive x-rays of the breasts to aid in early detection of any abnormalities in the breast. Research has shown that mammograms can show changes in the breast up to two years before they can be felt. Early detection of breast cancer greatly increases the chances for a complete recovery.
Perform monthly breast self-exams on a regular basis. Look and feel for changes – discharge from the nipple, skin dimpling, changes in skin texture, change in nipple position, feel for any unexplained lumps. .
The best time of the month to do your self exams is seven to ten days after the start of your menstrual cycle. For post-menopausal women, do it the same day each month.
Your skin will be cleaned before the radiologist administers lidocaine, a local anesthetic. This will numb an area about the size of a quarter. A very small incision will be made, and several tissue samples will be obtained. The radiologist may or may not add a marker at the biopsy site for future localization purposes. During the procedure, you will be informed during each step. If you experience discomfort, the radiologist can administer more local anesthetic during the procedure.
Mary’s Gift
The Mary’s Gift Program at Wise Health System provides free mammography services to low-income, uninsured or under-insured men and women in Wise County.
Mammograms are the most effective way to find breast cancer early and the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely the disease can be treated. The goal is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms. The size of a breast cancer and how far it has spread are the most important factors in predicting the outlook for the patient.
Countless women in Wise County over the age of 40 are not getting an annual mammogram as recommended by the American Cancer Society – and it’s not by choice. Affordable group health insurance is not always available to those who are employed, while others may have health insurance but are limited to the number of screenings, they are able to receive and some may have coverage, but the deductible is so high that a mammogram is unaffordable.
For more information, visit WiseHealthFoundation.com, or contact Wise Health Imaging Center at 940-626-1329.