Are 3D Mammograms Better?

Mammograms save lives. This has been proven year after year as breast cancers are caught early, treatment has begun sooner, and more women’s lives have been saved. The debate over 2D vs 3D mammograms can also be put to rest: recent studies have determined that 3D mammograms are superior.

2D vs 3D  Mammograms

2D mammograms take images from the front and side of the breast, which can create overlapping images of breast tissue. 3D mammography, also referred to as breast tomosynthesis, creates a 3D image of the breast by taking multiple photos to create a full image of the breast. According to the latest research, 3D mammograms provide far fewer false positives. Many women who receive 2D mammograms are forced to come in for follow up testing, including ultrasounds and biopsies.

Is 3D Mammography Safe?

3D mammograms are approved by the FDA. While there are still some facilities and some insurance companies still do not include coverage for 3D mammograms, that is changing, especially as the studies come in demonstrating that 3D mammograms find more cancers than 2D mammograms and they also result in fewer false positives. The rate of false positives has led some people in the medical community to debate the safety and efficacy of mammograms in general.

What About Radiation?

While the 3D mammogram takes slightly longer than a 2D mammogram, the rate of radiation being used to produce the image is much less than what was used in older 2D models. It is completely safe, providing detailed imagery of the breasts that help detect cancer early so that treatment can begin quickly.

Mammograms are the single best tool to find breast cancer at its earliest stages — long before you or your doctor can feel a lump. Having regular 3D mammograms performed by an experienced board-certified breast imaging specialist is the best way to detect abnormalities early. Whether you and your physician decide you need to have a mammogram, an ultrasound, or both, visit PURE Mammography in the Smith Haven Mall today, no appointment necessary. You can also call 631-652-3424 or fill out the form on this page to pre-schedule an appointment or to learn more about PURE.

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