3D Mammography Facts--Imaging Specialists

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - Aug. 31, 2015 - PRLog -- 3D Mammography Saves Lives.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. To treat it, physicians must find it. If found early, patients have a greater chance of an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

The very best defense is early detection and diagnosis, made possible through an annual screening mammogram. Imaging Specialists commits every day to matching compassionate care for women with state-of-the-art mammogram technology. They now offer 3D breast tomosynthesis. It’s new mammogram technology that gives every woman her best chance for an early and accurate diagnosis.

The Women’s Imaging Center offers patients the latest in digital mammography as part of the comprehensive range of breast screening and imaging services. Imaging Specialists is an American College of Radiology mammography accredited facility (http://www.imagingsc.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ISCACRAccred-9.8.08.pdf), demonstrating the highest quality patient care.

3D Is The Game Changer in Mammography. Traditional mammograms suffer from decreasing sensitivity in women with dense breasts or when breast tissue overlaps. The result can be unclear images.

• Up to 30% of cancers go undetected by standard mammography.

• 52-76% of cancers are missed in dense breast tissue, where tumors are more difficult to identify. That changes with wide-angle 3D breast tomosynthesis.

The 3D mammogram is just like the 2D experience. The breast is compressed under a paddle as images are taken of the breast. Unlike 2D mammography, 3D Breast Tomosynthesis takes X-ray pictures of each breast from many angles that are not available in traditional mammography.

The tube moves in a 50-degree arc around the breast, taking 25 images during the exam. Those images are sent to a computer and assembled into a three-dimensional picture of the breast. Digital mammography technology coupled with 3D technology allows our physicians to more accurately diagnose disease. It allows for faster exam times and more comfortable patient positioning during a mammogram.  The result is a clearer image that helps us look inside the breast layer by layer to find tumors. More importantly, 3D mammography saves lives because it leaves breast cancer with no place to hide.


The preparation for 3D is the same as 2D Mammography.   The result is less need for recalls, fewer false-positives, fewer invasive testing procedures, and potentially earlier detection and treatment for breast cancer. Now the radiologist can see breast tissue detail in a way that was never before possible, in sharper, dime-thin images from numerous angles.

Breast tomosynthesis is used in conjunction with traditional digital mammography as part of the annual screening mammogram to capture more breast images. Very low X-ray energy is used during the screening examination so your radiation exposure is safely below the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines.


Imaging Specialists was the first facility in the Mt. Pleasant area to offer breast tomosynthesis.  Insurance coverage may vary. Patients are asked to call their insurance carrier to determine their coverage. Self-pay rates are available and can be paid upon check in at the exam.

Almost all patients who need a screening or diagnostic mammogram can have 3D tomosynthesis mammography. For women with dense breast tissue, or who had prior biopsy or surgery, 3D mammography can help with the examination of the breast. Exceptions may include women who are very large-breasted or pregnant.
To schedule an appointment at Imaging Specialists, please call 843-881-4020 or request an appointment online at www.ImagingSc.com. Please notify our scheduling department and technologists if you might be pregnant or if you have breast implants.

  The equipment appears identical to a standard digital mammogram except that the tube head arcs over the breast during a 4-second exposure. The breast is compressed similar to or with slightly less pressure than a standard 2-D mammogram. Certified technologists have special training with this new equipment and strive to help make the exam as comfortable as possible. During the exam, the patients are instructed to hold their breath for just a few seconds.
After the 3D breast tomosynthesis mammogram is obtained, a specially trained breast imaging radiologist physician who is onsite interprets the images. Rapid reports are provided at the time of  appointment. The report is sent to patinet's healthcare provider as well.

Call 881-4020 to schedule a 3D mammogram. Or, request an appointment online at www.ImagingSC.com. Results are rapid, so there is no waiting and worrying. Subspecialty trained radiologists are onsite to ensure a skilled read and a personalized experience.  www.imagingsc.com