3D Mammography at Touchstone Medical Imaging
If you have dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer, 3D mammography at Touchstone Medical Imaging is the option for you. This advanced type of breast imaging combines images of the breast taken from multiple angles, delivering clarity about subtle irregularities that other scans may miss and gives you added confidence in your test results.
3D mammograms are available at multiple Touchstone Medical Imaging locations in Oklahoma and Texas. We accommodate same-day and next-day appointment requests, and early morning, evening and weekend hours are often available for your convenience.
Understanding 3D mammograms
Traditional 2D mammography remains the gold standard for detecting breast cancer. 3D imaging, however, allows radiologists to see breast tissue more clearly while ruling out harmless abnormalities that may lead to unnecessary biopsies and further testing.
The enhanced clarity of 3D mammography comes from generating several images of the breast from different angles so the radiologist and your doctor can better detect changes in breast tissue. We combine the images using computer technology to create a 3D image. These images minimize tissue overlap that may camouflage cancerous tissue or make it difficult to distinguish normal tissue and tumors.
Benefits of 3D mammograms
3D mammograms may help women with:
- Better cancer detection: In a study published in JAMA Oncology, researchers found that 3D mammography increased breast cancer detection by 40%. Following women over three years, the researchers noted that 3D mammography found smaller invasive cancers better than conventional mammograms, especially in women ages 40–49.
- Fewer false positives: False positives—screening results that suggest you have cancer when you do not—can lead to unnecessary testing and anxiety. In numerous studies, researchers have found that 3D mammograms reduce the risk of false-positive test results and the need for retesting.
Preparing for your 3D mammogram at Touchstone Medical Imaging
The following tips can help your 3D mammogram go more smoothly.
Time your test.
Schedule mammography scans one week after your period. Your breasts are less sensitive during this time.
Provide details.
Review your medical history before your appointment. Your radiologist needs to know about your personal and family medical history, as well as about new findings in your breasts, prior surgeries and hormone use, in order to fully interpret your results. Be prepared to give a clear overview, which helps with diagnosis.
Bring a disc or films of previous mammograms if you had the tests at other facilities, or let your radiologist know how to obtain the films. These can help your radiologist detect subtle changes and better understand abnormalities in your current mammogram.
Know what not to wear.
Do not apply talcum powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume under your arms or on your breasts before the scan. Traces of deodorant or other products may appear on the mammogram as areas of concern.
Dress in comfortable clothing. Opt for separates, such as a loose shirt paired with pants, shorts or a skirt, so you do not have to fully remove a dress or jumpsuit for your scan.
During your appointment
Our front-desk staff will greet you when you arrive at Touchstone Medical Imaging and give you further instructions to help you fill out any necessary paperwork. You can also print forms and pre-fill them before your appointment.
Your technologist will escort you to a private, designated mammography area when it’s your turn. All Touchstone Medical Imaging technologists have certification in mammography by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
The technologist will position your breast on a special platform and apply gradual compression. This helps spread out the breast tissue and holds the breast still during imaging. X-ray tubes will move over your breast in an arc to take multiple images. Your technologist will ask you to hold your position briefly during each scan to keep the images from blurring. The mammogram test typically takes about 30 minutes, but the actual compression time is just a few seconds per scan.
After your mammogram
One of our fellowship-trained, subspecialty radiologists will read your 3D images and look for abnormal tissue. Your doctor will receive your results in approximately 24–36 hours, and you can also receive results by mail or email. If needed, your doctor may schedule a follow-up scan or additional tests to help rule out cancer in areas of concern.
Advanced imaging at affordable costs
Medicare and most private insurance companies cover annual 3D mammograms, and Touchstone Medical Imaging is typically 40-60% less than hospital-based imaging care. You can contact a local Touchstone 3D mammography facility for more information about the cost of your scan.
Choose accurate imaging in a caring environment
Touchstone Medical Imaging creates a seamless patient experience from beginning to end. From the time you schedule your appointment until your doctor receives your results, we guide you every step of the way with emphasis on convenience, compassion and quality. You and your doctor can feel confident that you will receive precise, reliable results from our team of radiologists and technologists.
Touchstone Medical Imaging performs 3D mammograms in two states with same-day and next-day appointments often available to make getting a scan more convenient. Find the Touchstone Medical Imaging Center closest to you, then call to schedule an appointment.