Smarter Insights

Digital mammography screening continues to be the gold standard for detecting abnormalities in the breast. But for certain patients, especially those with dense breasts, a two-dimensional image may not give radiologists the optimal view of overlapping structures.

Tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, can help improve cancer detection for these patients.

How does it work?

Your 3D mammogram will feel the same as a regular mammogram. But the technology does something different: instead of getting one X-ray image, the machine moves in an arc around the breast, allowing it to capture several low-dose images from different angles.

Then, the images are combined into a series of layers, allowing radiologists to evaluate each layer one by one. This way, smaller tumors will not be obscured by overlapping tissue. 

Not only has 3D mammography been shown in trials to improve cancer detection by 29 percent and invasive cancer detection by 41 percent, but it can also reduce the number of times you’re called back for a follow-up mammogram.

St. Joseph’s/Candler offers mammography screening at the Telfair Pavilion (located at Candler Hospital), St. Joseph’s Hospital Imaging Services, Telfair Breast Imaging – Eisenhower, the SJ/C Imaging Center on the Pooler campus, the SJ/C Imaging Center in Bluffton and at various locations in the region through our Mobile Mammography Unit.

Call 912-819-6800 to schedule a mammogram at a facility near you.

If you or a loved one are dealing with a financial barrier to a mammogram or other breast health services, the Mammography Fund at the Telfair Pavilion can help. Call 912-819-7055.