October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which brings up the importance of breast imaging. As a result, doctors are seeing patients coming in with more locally advanced cancer. According to board certified radiologist Dr. Jean Warner , Director, The Tyanna O'Brien Center for Women's Imaging at Mercy, screening mammography gives you the best chance of not dying from breast cancer and also makes you a candidate for less aggressive treatment if you were to get cancer.
Warner said. In addition, women should have a risk assessment by the time they turn 30 to see if they are high risk for breast cancer. If you are, you may need to start mammograms sooner. Hours vary by floor, please check with the nursing staff or call The radiologists of The Tyanna O'Brien Center for Women's Imaging at Mercy in Baltimore, Maryland, offer state-of-the-art digital 3D mammography, known as tomosynthesis, for screening and diagnostic mammography.
Additionally, a Cancer Risk Assessment is offered with every mammogram. It is also performed to monitor recovery after breast cancer treatment, evaluate findings identified on screening mammography or follow up specific findings which are considered likely benign. A mammography technologist positions the patient and captures the images. The exam concludes with a consultation between the patient and the radiologist.
This immediate diagnosis and consultation with the doctor differentiates a diagnostic mammogram from a screening mammogram. Tomosynthesis, commonly referred to as 3D mammography, is the most advanced mammographic technology currently available. Through a landmark gift and investment from a generous donor, Mercy Medical Center was an early adopter of this technology. A diagnostic mammogram involves taking X-rays of the breast which are read by the radiologist at the time of your appointment.
This immediate diagnosis by the doctor is what makes a diagnostic mammogram different than a screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammography is performed for women who are experiencing a symptom or problem with their breasts. Symptoms for which a diagnostic mammogram should be performed include:. A new lump or area of thickening in the breast — felt by you or your provider A bloody or clear non-opaque nipple discharge New skin changes of the breast A recent abnormal screening mammogram or other breast imaging study such as breast MRI or breast ultrasound A biopsy or surgery has been performed since your last mammogram A personal history of breast cancer, diagnosed within the past 5 years.
Studies have shown that 3D mammography typically results in increased breast cancer detection rates and a very significant reduction in recall rates return for additional imaging tests. A traditional 2D mammogram provides only a flat single 2-dimensional image of the breast tissue, much the same as a traditional chest X-ray or bone X-ray.
Computer technology then reconstructs multiple images of the tissue at 1mm thick sections along with a synthesized 2D image set - all of which can be easily viewed by the radiologist. A traditional 2D exam may include only a total of 4 images 2 of each breast , while a 3D mammogram may include as many as or more thin section images.
These thin images provide a much more detailed analysis of the breast tissue. These thin images provide a much more detailed analysis of the breast tissue. Screening mammography is recommended for women on a routine basis as part of an overall health management plan. It is completed when there are no signs or symptoms of abnormalities in the breast, but is critical in the early detection of breast cancer in women.
The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology both recommend that all women begin yearly screening mammography beginning at age It may be recommended that these patients begin yearly breast screening at an earlier age. If you believe you may be at higher risk for breast cancer, you should discuss this possibility with your doctor. Before a screening 3D mammogram, it is important to avoid using deodorants, lotions, or powders on the day of your exam since these can sometimes cause issues with the images.
A 3D mammogram is performed much like traditional 2D digital mammography. During a 3D mammogram, a technologist trained in mammography uses an X-ray machine to obtain images of the breast. The technologist will position each breast on a plate within the machine to include as much of the breast tissue as possible.
Compression will be applied to thin the breast tissue in order to minimize the dose of radiation to the breast. This also prevents blurring of the image motion artifact and provides improved detail.
The images are then interpreted by a breast imaging radiologist, along with the findings from the Cancer Risk Assessment. A full report is sent to the referring clinician and a letter is also sent to the patient to inform her of the results and recommendations. If any additional imaging is needed to complete the examination, the patient will receive notification of this in her result letter. Our staff will also contact her by telephone to help arrange the follow-up appointment.
The Center provides advanced imaging services, including but not limited to breast biopsies , breast ultrasounds , breast MRIs , diagnostic and screening mammograms and needle localization procedures. Search doctors by: Last Name:.
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