At Women First, you have access to the latest, most accurate mammography technology on the market today. Our 3D Tomosynthesis Mammography equipment is the first and only technology of its kind approved by the FDA, and has been proven to detect more types of breast cancer earlier and more accurately than traditional mammography.
This advanced 3D imaging technology, the Selenia® Dimensions® 3D Mammography™ from Hologic, allows the radiologist to see masses and distortions associated with cancers and precancerous cells more clearly than conventional mammography, regardless of breast type or density. 3D technology allows radiologists to examine your breast tissue layer by layer. Fine details are more visible within the 3D images and are less obscured by tissue above or below.
The procedure for a 3D tomosynthesis mammography exam is almost identical to a traditional 2D mammogram—the technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take images from different angles.
We strongly recommend 3D TOMO mammography to our patients with a family history of breast cancer and to those who have dense breasts or who have had breast augmentation, as well as other patients at more than average risk for breast cancer.
A radiologist will then examine the images and report results to your Women First physician.
A. Women First strongly recommends this technology to our patients with a family history of breast cancer, those who have dense breasts, those who have had breast augmentation, and other patients at higher than average risk for breast cancer.
A. For women with dense breasts, 3D mammography helps detect cancer earlier and more effectively than traditional mammography.
40% of women have dense breast tissue, which is comprised of less fat and more fibrous and connective tissue. Because this connective tissue appears more white (less translucent) on a mammogram, it can mask the appearance of cancer cells, which also appear white (or dense).
Because 3D mammography allows the radiologist to examine breast tissue layer by layer, it is easier to discern finer details in dense breasts that may occasionally be masked in a traditional 2D mammogram. Our technologists will let you know if your breast tissue is dense enough to benefit from 3D mammography.
A. Women First identifies patients with a known hereditary risk factor and uses a risk assessment module to calculate your breast cancer risk score. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Risk Model is based upon the Gail model and uses your personal medical and reproductive history, and the history of breast cancer among your first-degree relatives (mother, sisters, daughters), to estimate your potential risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Women First reviews each patient’s health history to calculate NCI breast cancer risk. Based upon your score, we may strongly recommend 3D mammography.
