There are moments in a woman’s life that have the power to change its future course. In mammography, seeing the difference can make the difference to this future.
Behind every breast we examine, there’s a woman to fight for. There are people who count on her. And she’s counting on us to give her accurate results. Introducing wide-angle breast tomosynthesis, a breakthrough technology that introduces new level of confidence in breast cancer detection and diagnosis.
Wide-angle Tomosynthesis changes everything! Images are viewed in layers which improves the visibility of lesions as they are displayed without overlapping tissue. This is an important development, especially for women with dense breast tissue where tumors are hard to find.
3D Mammography Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 3D mammography breast exam?
During the exam, the X-Ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over your breast, taking multiple breast images. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of your breast tissue in one millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible. They can scroll through the images of your entire breast like pages of a book.
Why is there a need for tomosynthesis breast exams? What are the benefits?
With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area. By looking at the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, the radiologist can provide a more confident assessment. In this way, 3D mammography finds cancers missed with conventional 2D mammography. It also means there is less chance your doctor will call you back later for a “second look,” because now they can see breast tissue more clearly.
What is the difference between a screening and diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year. Sometimes the radiologist may ask you to come back for follow-up images which is called a diagnostic mammogram to rule out an unclear area in the breast or if there is a breast complaint that needs to be evaluated.
What should I expect during the 3D mammography exam?
The technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take images from different angles. There’s no additional compression required than with a traditional exam and it only takes a few extra seconds for an exam.
Is there more radiation dose?
Very low X-Ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same amount as a traditional mammogram done on film.
Guidelines and Information
- Please make your appointment by calling 816-630-2700. For your convenience we offer same day service and walk-ins.
- Our normal hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm
- To better serve our patients we also offer later appointments upon request.
- Obtain copies of any recent films from mammograms performed at another facility and bring to the exam.
- Parking is available at the front Hospital entrance. All patients are required to check in with the receptionist.
- On the day of your exam do not use deodorant, talcum powder, lotion, or other substances under your arms or on your breasts.
- Wearing a two-piece outfit is suggested so you need to remove only your top for the exam.
- Once your exam is completed, our radiologist will interpret your images. You will receive your results within a few days. A copy of the report is also sent directly to your physician(s).
- Annual mammograms, beginning at age 40, are the best way to detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
Mammogram Results
All mammograms performed at Excelsior Springs Hospital are interpreted by Board Certified Radiologists from Alliance Radiology. They provide quick and accurate results.
If you have had previous mammograms performed elsewhere, we encourage you to make arrangements to have them sent to our facility or bring them with you at the time of your exam. This gives our radiologist the opportunity to compare your prior mammograms with your present mammogram to determine if there have been any changes or new developments. If you are unable to bring these or make arrangements ahead of time, don’t worry. Our staff will arrange to have them sent to our facility for comparison.
Once the radiologists have completed their results, your report will immediately be faxed to your physician’s office. In addition to this, a copy of your report and findings and the radiologist’s recommendations. You then can keep it for your permanent records.
Should you need this, your mammography can be recorded on a CD and be made available if you need to take it to another physician. Images can also be shared across a network of hospitals that subscribe to Powershare Network/Cloud.
Accreditation
Excelsior Springs Hospital is proud to have been awarded accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.