3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis) 

3D mammography (also known as Tomosynthesis) is the most advanced screening and diagnostic tool available for detecting breast cancer. Standard 2D mammography creates a flat image, whereas 3D mammography creates three-dimensional renderings of the breast, resulting in greater accuracy in evaluating breast tissue and detecting cancer.

Screening Recommendations

In line with the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines, Sansum Clinic recommends yearly 3D mammography for women with average risk, starting at age 40. Mammography is safe and effective during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Doctors may recommend starting mammography before age 40, or may recommend additional breast screening, based  on personal and family history.

Our Technology

Sansum Clinic uses Genius™ 3D Mammography™. The Genius™ exam allows doctors to examine your breast tissue layer by layer. So, instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below. The Genius exam consists of a 2D and 3D™ image set, where the 2D image can be either an acquired image or a 2D image generated from the 3D™ image set. 

What To Expect

• A member of our team will greet you and give you a gown to wear. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry from the waist up.
• During a 3D mammography, you will stand in front of the mammography machine and the technologist will place one of your breasts on the machine and position you to ensure an unobstructed view of your breast.
• Your breast will be gradually pressed against the platform for a few seconds to spread out your breast tissue while the machine moves above you to collect images. 
• The pressure will then be released and the machine will be repositioned to take an image from the other side. This whole process is then repeated on the other side.
• The pressure applied to your breast during a mammogram is not harmful but you may find it uncomfortable. Please let the technologist know if you have too much discomfort.
• The exam will take approximately 30 minutes.
• After your mammography is complete, our breast radiologist will examine the images and report the results directly to your doctor.