3D mammography has changed the landscape for women when it comes to getting mammograms. Since its FDA approval in the United States in 2011, 3D mammograms create a three-dimensional image of the breasts from multiple angles via X-ray. Unlike standard traditional mammograms, which require the imaging machine to move around the breast, 3D mammograms (or breast tomosynthesis) are stationary in order to help to reduce the number of false positives, callbacks, and anxiety from waiting for results. Among the people that could benefit from 3D mammograms are women that have dense breasts. Forty percent of all women have dense breast tissue. When looking at the mammogram of a woman with dense breast tissue, it is very hard to distinguish this tissue from cancer because they both appear white in the image. While still a relatively new technology in the medical industry, the increase in interest in 3D mammography continues to grow and is becoming a new standard in the field of medicine and cancer prevention.
Getting a Mammogram in Las Vegas
If you are a woman over the age of 40, getting a mammogram is an important step in maintaining your breast health. In Las Vegas, there are numerous facilities that offer mammogram services to women, including hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers.
Finding the right mammogram imaging center is an important step in taking care of your breast health. Here are some tips to help you find the right center:
Check for accreditation: Make sure the center is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This means that the center meets high standards for quality and safety in mammography.
Look for experienced staff: Find a center that has experienced radiologists and technologists who specialize in breast imaging. The staff should be knowledgeable and compassionate, making you feel comfortable throughout the screening process.
Consider the technology used: Look for a center that uses up-to-date technology for mammographies, such as digital mammography or 3D mammography. These technologies can provide more accurate and detailed images of the breast tissue, making it easier for radiologists to identify any potential issues.
Read reviews and ask for recommendations: Look for reviews online from other women who have used the center, and ask your friends or healthcare provider for recommendations. Hearing from other women about their experiences can help you make an informed decision.
Check insurance coverage: Make sure the imaging center accepts your insurance, and that you understand what your insurance covers in terms of mammography screening.
Consider location and convenience: Find a center that is convenient for you to get to and has flexible appointment times that fit your schedule. This can make it easier for you to get screened on a regular basis.
Early Detection
Early detection is critical when it comes to breast cancer. The earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and survival. There are two main methods for early detection of breast cancer: mammograms and breast self-exams.
Mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40, or earlier if they have a higher risk of breast cancer. Mammograms use X-rays to create images of the breast tissue and can detect small tumors or abnormalities that may not be felt during a breast self-exam.
Breast self-exams involve checking your breasts for any lumps, changes in texture or size, or other abnormalities. Women should perform a breast self-exam once a month, and report any changes to their healthcare provider.
By getting regular mammograms and performing monthly breast self-exams, women can detect breast cancer early and increase their chances of successful treatment. It's important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best screening schedule for your individual needs and to perform regular breast self-exams.
Getting Annual Screenings
Mammograms are an essential tool for detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer start getting annual mammograms at age 40, while women between the ages of 40 and 44 should have the option to start annual mammography screening if they choose to do so. After age 55, women may choose to switch to mammograms every two years, but they should continue to get screened as long as they are in good health.
It's important to note that these guidelines are just recommendations and should be personalized to each woman's individual risk factors, family history, and other health factors. For example, women with a higher risk of breast cancer may need to start mammography screening earlier, and more frequently than recommended for women at average risk.
Some women may also need to start screening earlier if they have symptoms such as a lump or changes in their breast tissue. In these cases, a diagnostic mammogram may be recommended to get a more detailed view of the breast tissue and identify any potential issues.
At SDMI, we believe that this technology is a game-changer for detecting cancer, and we have standardized it across our practice. It is available at all of our locations.
Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, with our locations throughout the Las Vegas valley, is the premier diagnostic, ultrasound, and radiology facility in Nevada. With its compassionate staff and expert medical staff, Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging provides quality health services to its Las Vegas and Henderson patients. To schedule an appointment, give our offices a call at (702) 732-6000 or visit our site at http://sdmi-lv.com -We at Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging look forward to ensuring that when it comes to Las Vegas medical care, the choice is "ONLY SDMI."