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<\/h1>\n<\/h1>\nAs preventative tools, mammograms fall into two main categories according to how and when your doctor orders them:<\/p>\n
Since their\u00a0FDA approval in 2011<\/a>, 3D mammograms have steadily gained popularity among medical professionals as valuable diagnostic tools. But what is the difference between a 3D mammogram and a standard mammogram, and should you favor one over the other? This article takes you through the basics of mammography and the differences between bilateral and 3D mammograms.<\/p>\n Request A Screening Mammogram<\/a><\/p>\n A mammogram is a type of low-dose x-ray that examines breast tissue for potential signs of cancer. Low-density tissue like fat appears translucent in the x-ray images, while higher-density tissues like glands or tumors appear white. Doctors can examine changes in the tissue or lumps too small to detect during a manual examination by studying these images.<\/p>\n Another way to categorize mammograms is by how they record their data. Digital mammograms record their images on a computer rather than on film, allowing your doctor to easily share them for consultations. Digital x-rays also produce better picture quality with higher levels of detail. The images can be enhanced, manipulated or magnified, making evaluations easier and minimizing the chances of a false-positive diagnosis.<\/p>\n In addition to diagnostic screenings’ obvious utility in identifying possible signs of breast cancer, screening mammograms offer several benefits as well:<\/p>\n When you’re deciding how you want the procedure performed, you have two types of mammograms to choose from. Bilateral mammograms represent the standard or traditional type of mammography. In these, the mammogram machine x-rays the breast tissue from a top and side view. While bilateral mammograms take one image from the top and one image from the side, 3D mammography takes many.<\/p>\n 3D mammography’s high-quality images and comprehensive modeling\u00a0offer several benefits<\/a>:<\/p>\n Doctors often order 3D mammograms along with bilateral mammograms. While you can have these procedures done separately, radiologists can also reconstruct standard 2D mammograms from the 3D images.<\/p>\n For more information on the mammography process, here are a few frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n Yes, it is. 3D mammography is also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). While DBT produces its images in a way similar to computed tomography (CT) scanners, DBT uses far fewer x-ray beams than CT scanners do.<\/p>\n Dense breast tissue \u2014 the breasts’ milk glands, supportive tissue and milk ducts \u2014 can have the same obscuring effect as overlap in bilateral mammograms. 3D mammography’s modeling lets doctors spot abnormalities\u00a0even in dense tissue<\/a>\u00a0more accurately.<\/p>\n With lower levels than either CT scans or regular chest x-rays, radiation from mammograms is\u00a0within medical guidelines and completely safe<\/a>.<\/p>\n At Health Images, we believe in doing the right thing in the right way for the right reasons. We’re committed to ensuring your comfort while providing top-quality care, and our all-digital mammography and electronic medical record delivery mean your results reach your referring physician in hours. Call To Schedule Your Appointment<\/a><\/p>\n Sources (cited):<\/strong><\/p>\n As preventative tools, mammograms fall into two main categories according to how and when your doctor orders them: Screening mammograms:\u00a0These […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4477,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat are mammograms?<\/h2>\n
Digital mammograms vs. regular mammograms<\/h3>\n
\nTraditional mammograms produce the type of x-rays most people are familiar with, where doctors read and store the images on film. Regular mammograms are subject to potential flaws in the film and the limited perspective of each image, which can sometimes lead to inaccurate diagnoses and false positives.<\/p>\n
\nWhile imaging\u00a0facilities require FDA approval<\/a>\u00a0to offer digital mammograms, the process for both methods is identical for patients. Health Images exclusively uses digital mammography, giving you the clearest imagery possible.<\/p>\nWhat are the benefits of mammograms?<\/h3>\n
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Bilateral mammograms vs. 3D mammograms<\/h2>\n
\nThe bilateral and 3D mammogram processes are nearly identical from the patient perspective. Both methods function on one breast at a time, compressing the tissue with a paddle to maximize the x-ray image quality with minimal radiation. While a 3D mammogram may take slightly longer, both methods typically take\u00a0about 10 minutes<\/a>.
\nWhile bilateral and 3D mammograms are functionally the same for the patient, there are significant differences for the radiologists and doctors who interpret the information.<\/p>\nBilateral mammography<\/h3>\n
\nSince a bilateral screening mammogram only shows the breast tissue from two angles, there’s little compensation for overlap. In addition to fat, breasts contain supportive tissue, blood vessels, ligaments, milk-processing glands and ducts. When these overlap on an x-ray, they can obscure tumors and other signs of breast cancer, leading to false negatives. The overlap can also appear to be a tumor itself, leading to a false positive.<\/p>\n3D mammography<\/h3>\n
\nA 3D mammogram machine moves in an arc to take multiple low-dose x-rays of the breast from different angles. Those images combine into a picture composed of different views, producing a three-dimensional model for doctors to review. Rather than trying to interpret overlapping tissues from a single perspective, they can shift to a different view to identify the parts of what they see.
\nThis more detailed image makes it easier to find breast abnormalities even within dense surrounding tissue. It also allows radiologists to understand the location, shape and size of those abnormalities, helping them identify which are benign and which are potential tumors.<\/p>\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
Is tomosynthesis the same as 3D mammography?<\/h3>\n
Are 3D mammograms better for dense breasts?<\/h3>\n
Is the radiation from mammogram machines dangerous?<\/h3>\n
Request a screening mammogram with Health Images<\/h2>\n
\nYou can get in touch with us\u00a0at a location near you<\/a>\u00a0to request your screening mammogram today.<\/p>\n\n