3D Mammography: Digital vs 3D Mammograms Cost and Benefits for Breast Imaging

3D Mammography: Digital vs 3D Mammograms Cost and Benefits for Breast Imaging

In this article below, you will find the useful information about the Digital vs. 3D Mammograms, Breast Imaging Cost and Benefits and how long this procedure takes. This will help in better understanding of the updated 3D Mammographic technology.

Over 200,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and breast cancer that spreads from the breast to other parts of the body kills about 40,000 women. In a case of early diagnosis, before it spread—it is easier to treat and women have a much better chance of survival. Nowadays, mammograms are the useful way of screening women for breast cancer.

Each year Forty million mammograms are performed but the technology is growing. The goal of screening exams is to identify breast abnormalities as early as possible and thereby provide patients with a better chance for survival.

Yearly mammography helps detect subtle new findings. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 93 percent or more survival rate in the first five years. The information given below will tell us whether it matter what kind of mammogram women gets?

3D Mammography: Digital vs 3D Mammograms Cost and Benefits for Breast Imaging

Diagnostic Mammogram for Breast Cancer Screening

Mammograms can be used to confirm for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found. This type of mammogram is called a diagnostic mammogram. Besides a lump, signs of breast cancer can include breast pain, thickening of the skin of the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in breast shape; however, these signs may also be signs of benign conditions. A diagnostic mammogram can also be used to assess changes found during a screening mammogram or to view breast tissue when it is hard to attain a screening mammogram because of particular conditions, such as the presence of breast implants.

Mammogram Definition

Mammography is specialized medical imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to see inside the breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, aids in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

Digital Mammography

Digital cameras have put back the older, film-based cameras thus mammography has also gone digital.

Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by electronics that alter x-rays into mammographic pictures of the breast. These methods are similar to those found in digital cameras and their efficiency allows improved pictures with a lower radiation dose. These images are moved to a computer for evaluation by the radiologist and for long term storage. The patient’s experience in a digital mammogram is similar to having a conventional film mammogram.

Digital mammography appeared to be more precise than conventional film mammography in younger women. Digital mammography can be done only in amenities that are certified to carry out conventional mammography and have received FDA approval to offer digital mammography.

Breast Tomosynthesis

3D mammography, or breast tomosynthesis, is a quite new breast imaging method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2011.

Breast tomosynthesis is an advanced type of mammogram that can present improved cancer detection. It is standard protocol for all screening mammograms. Tomosynthesis is a unique type of mammogram that produces a 3-dimensional image of the breast by means of numerous low dose x-rays obtain at different angles.

Breast Tomosynthesis (tomo), also known as 3D mammography, is a revolutionary screening and diagnostic breast imaging mean to improve the early detection of breast cancer. In 3D part of the exam, an x-ray arm sweeps over the breast, captivating several images in seconds. Images are displayed as a sequence of thin slices that can be viewed as individual images or in a vibrant interactive animation.

3D mammography can be used for routine screening mammography. Studies suggest that radiologists are able to more precisely read results from 3D mammography in dense breast tissue, which can lead to fewer false-positive and false negative readings.

Benefits of Mammography

The benefits of mammography overshadow the threat. Multiple scientific studies have offered ample evidence that early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can save lives.
Early detection increases the possibility of a cancer being effectively treated and often allows for better treatment options.

3D Mammography Cost

Even though 3D mammography is FDA approved, most insurance companies are not yet reimbursing for this exam. Patients choosing to have 3D mammography imaging have to pay $60 at check-in.

3D Mammogram Images

3D Mammogram Images

3D Mammogram Images

3D Mammogram Images

3D Mammogram Images

3D Mammogram Images

3D Mammogram Images

How long does a Mammogram take?

Mammography takes between 10-15 minutes. The scan itself takes less than two to three seconds per view. Sometimes extra views are performed which take longer. In case of breast implants, the mammography take longer approximately 30 minutes because it takes extra time to make sure clear images are captured.

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