"3D Mammography is available at CCHC Imaging! We are the first to bring 3D Mammography to Craven County and Eastern North Carolina. This is an extraordinary breakthrough in cancer screening and detection. Our breast tomosynthesis, made by Hologic – a world leader in digital mammography, delivers greater clarity, more certainty and is bringing a new dimension to breast health. This innovative technology allows doctors to see breast tissue detail in a way never before possible to help find breast cancer at its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. And, it had been proven to reduce the need for follow-up breast exams. Call us today to learn more and to schedule your 3D mammogram at 252.637.5480. Now that 3D mammography is available at our facility, you may have some questions. We've prepared this short Q&A to address concerns you may have. Please be sure to call our office if you have additional questions or comments. What is a 3D mammography breast exam? 3D mammography is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram. During the 3D part of 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 images of your entire breast like pages of a book. The additional 3D images make it possible for a radiologist to gain a better understanding of your breast tissue during screening and the confidence to reduce the need for follow-up imaging. 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. The benefit is particularly noticeable in women with dense breasts, in which tumors are hard to see, but the 3D exam produces betters results in all women. 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? 3D mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system. There is no additional compression required, and it only takes a few seconds longer for each view. Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of 3D mammography, the patient will be asked to pay a $50 fee for the 3D component. 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. Who can have a 3D mammography exam? It is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram, in both the screening and diagnostic settings. Please call 252-637-5480 to schedule your annual screening mammogram appointment."
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