Courtesy of Windsong Radiology

If you are a woman 40 years or older, you probably know that annual breast cancer screening is essential to your health. Digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography, is clinically proven to detect breast cancer early, and is Windsong Radiology’s standard of care for all patients. 3D mammography’s ability to create multiple images, or slices of the breast from different angles allows radiologists to view breast tissue in layers, saving 40% more lives. It is also typically covered 100% by most insurers.

3D Mammography Benefits:

  • Breast cancer detection at earlier stages, often resulting in less invasive treatment and better patient outcomes, including survivorship
  • Improved image quality and greater accuracy in detecting the smallest changes in breast tissue, sometimes up to three years before a lump can be felt
  • Reduced patient recalls, false positives, and benign biopsies, resulting in decreased costs and patient anxiety

Screening Breast Ultrasound

Women with other breast cancer risk factors may also choose to have a screening breast ultrasound (SBU) in addition to 3D mammography. SBU does not replace mammography, but is a supplemental imaging exam to aid in early detection of breast cancer. SBU uses sound waves to capture detailed images of breast tissue, enabling detection of some cancers that cannot be seen clearly on a mammogram. This is especially true for women with dense breasts, where tissue appears white on imaging, just as breast cancers do. Women with dense breasts are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer compared to those with fatty breasts. Approximately 50% of the female population falls into the dense breast category.

Booking an Appointment

Windsong Radiology patients can have a 3D mammogram at the same time as an SBU, allowing for a streamlined, comprehensive care experience in one appointment. Physicians sometimes order an SBU supplemental screening following an annual mammogram. Women who elect to have this additional screening will require a physician order. Patients who meet the following criteria might benefit from SBU or MRI screening:

  • Having a negative mammogram within the last 12 months indicating no cancer
  • Dense breast tissue identified on a mammogram
  • A family history of breast cancer; history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or other atypical pathology
  • A personal history of breast or ovarian cancer

Depending on your mammography results, breast density, health and family history, and other risk factors, your health care provider may recommend supplemental screening with breast ultrasound or MRI as part of your breast health plan, and can help determine which type of imaging is right for you. When combined with annual 3D screening mammography, supplemental imaging can be an important part of breast health surveillance for many women, providing peace of mind for possible early detection.

Staying on track with your annual breast screenings is one of the most important steps you can take for your breast health. Early detection saves lives. Schedule your breast imaging appointment at Windsong Radiology today by calling 716-631-2500. Learn more at www.windsonwny.com.