Advancements in Breast Cancer Screening

Published on: January 2, 2015 (Last modified on: February 26, 2019)

It is expected that almost 300,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S in 2014. This is a scary number, even more frightening for the women who are diagnosed. However, treatment for this deadly disease has improved, especially when it’s detected early. The best option available is to have regular screenings or mammograms in order to catch this cancer in its beginning stages. New technology, in the form of 3D mammograms, is available to help detect breast cancer as soon as possible.

3D Mammogram Technology

The biggest difference between traditional mammograms and 3D mammogram technology is the ability for physicians to get a better picture of the tissue within the breast. While traditional mammograms take pictures from two angles, a 3D mammogram follows the curve of the breast and takes images from several angles. This gives a true picture of the entire breast, allowing physicians to detect abnormalities with greater ease.

3D mammograms were approved for use in 2011 by the FDA to be used alongside standard mammograms. However, in 2013 they were approved to be used alone for breast cancer detection. Some radiology clinics still use both, which can increase breast cancer detection by up to 40%. It also has been shown to reduce the number of false alarms, which were common in traditional mammogram screenings. This saves time for the physicians and also causes less stress on patients by reducing the amount of “callbacks” to have another screening performed.

Many advanced radiology clinics now offer the 3D mammogram as a regular service for their patients. These screenings take no more time than a traditional mammogram, yet offer a better chance to catch cancer early while reducing false alarms.

Posted on behalf of:
Diagnostic Radiology Ultrasound & Breast Center, P.C.
Mount Vernon Medical Center
755 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast #310
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 252-3430

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