3D Mammograms: Who Needs 3D & Why Get One Every Year
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- čas přidán 25. 03. 2018
- We teach you about the advantages of 3D digital mammograms for women with dense breasts and those at a higher lifetime risk of breast cancer.
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Questions for your Primary Care Physician or Breast Surgeon:
1. Should I have a 3D Mammogram?
2. What are the benefits of 3D mammograms?
3. Do I have significantly Dense Breasts on my prior mammograms?
4. Am I at a High Risk for breast cancer in my lifetime?
5. Is the extra cost covered by my insurance?
6. What is “3D mammography?"
“Three-dimensional” (3D) mammograms can image your breasts with better clarity than standard, “two-dimensional” digital mammograms. This new technology, also called “breast tomosynthesis,” will become the standard of care in breast screening in the next few years. 3D imaging is performed just like a normal mammogram, but with an X-ray machine that moves during the imaging. The radiation dose is about the same as a digital mammogram.3D mammograms capture images from more angles and uses computer technology to allow breast radiologists to not only find more cancers, but lessens the chance you will be “called back” for further imaging studies. Women that have 3D mammograms also have a slightly lower chance of undergoing a “benign breast biopsy.” It is a leap forward in breast care and is slowly rolling out to breast imaging centers across the country.
Who benefits most from 3D Mammograms?
*Women with very Dense Breasts
*Younger Women (aged 40 to 49)
*Women at “High Risk” for developing breast cancer
Why is Breast Density a risk factor for cancer?
We have learned over time that women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast density is a term now used to describe how much glandular and supportive tissue appears on a mammogram. Studies estimate that if you have very dense breasts, your lifetime risk is twice and possibly up to four times the risk of others.
Dense breasts also make it more difficult for radiologists to see a small breast cancer because these growths can be overshadowed by the dense or “white” appearing tissue on a mammogram. 3D imaging helps address this “double-whammy” of increased risk and decreased ability to find breast cancers. The “Take-Home Message” for those with dense breasts is to begin annual screening mammograms at 40 and ask for 3D mammograms, if available.
Why should younger women get 3D mammograms?
“Younger women” generally have denser breasts. In most women, breast tissue slowly becomes less dense as one ages. By younger for this discussion, we are referring to women aged 40 to 50 who undergo screening mammograms. More than half of women in this age group have dense breasts. Because it is more difficult to find small cancers in dense breasts by regular mammography, we recommend 3D imaging for all women younger than 50.
Why should women at “High Risk” get 3D mammograms?
Women at high risk for breast cancer will benefit most from 3D mammography. Some of these “High Risk” factors include: BRCA mutation carriers, a prior breast biopsy that showed “atypical hyperplasia,” a strong family history of breast cancer, or radiation therapy to the chest region before the age of 30. Many of these same women will benefit from “Screening Breast MRI’s” in addition to annual screening mammograms.
Does insurance cover 3D mammograms?
Federal law mandates that all health insurance pay for “screening” studies such as routine digital mammography. 3D imaging is considered an additional study by many insurance companies and may not be covered. We expect more commercial insurance companies will cover the 3D part of screening mammograms in the future. Medicare and Medicaid do not currently cover the additional charge for 3D imaging. Some breast imaging centers do offer 3D imaging at no extra charge. It is worth asking about coverage and out-of-pocket costs when you schedule a mammogram.
Should I pay cash for a 3D mammogram?
Your breast imaging facility may ask you at the time of your mammogram if you are willing to pay for the “3D mammogram add-on charge.” This charge ranges between $25 and $50. Sometimes that question may seem unexpected when you are undressed in the exam room or undergoing imaging. Inquire about the availability of 3D imaging when you arrive and ask what charges you might encounter. You will then have time to make an informed decision.
I have dense breast and had 3D for the first time this year. Thankfully all clear and my insurance covered all costs because I had met my deductible for the year. It's too bad that money can be an issue for technology that should benefit all.
Thanks for explaining that Doc I feel much more informed going into my 3D mammogram tomorrow.
Great explanation. Thanks a lot!
A more comfortable machine needs to be made, specifically for girls that are younger and have denser breast tissue.
"Girls" don't get mammograms; women do.
Great information. Thank you!
Super helpful Doc. Thanks for this great information!
Thanx for these informations
I have to get this done tomorrow
Thank you for the video very informative
Medicare pays for 3 D Mammogram.
Mammos hurt me everytime
the elephant in the room is that mammograms do NOT take an image of anything which is not between the mammogram plates, literally your underarms and all the areas around your breasts going a long ways away from the breasts, are not checked for microcalcifications. And of course the compression is unbearable for many women. No man would suffer his stuff being squished every year for several minutes, between mammogram plates-- for men they have a simple digital prostrate exam, and a blood test. WHY are women treated like cows?
If radiation can cause cancer, than why bother getting radiation treatments? Makes no sense to me
Because your uneducated
You should disclose your financial interest, if any in 3D mammograms.
Who cares if the screening helps detect your cancer earlier rather than later.
@Tigs Laser-sonic Scanners are latest, and touted to be the best…but no clinic had them yet…maybe a couple of universities, that I don’t seem to be able to locate via google. So…as someone who is dense, with a history, guess I’ll keep getting 3D, and alternate with any other screening I can locate
Would have been nice to see the actual process with a 3d machine
AYKM?
@@ruthcook7103 Meaning that the doc would not or should not disclose or that he has no obligation to disclose?