3D Mammography

Women 40 years old and older, at average risk for breast cancer, should begin annual mammograms to help detect breast cancer.

Mammograms are the best tool for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer. When combined with 3D mammography (also called tomosynthesis), mammograms are even more likely to detect cancer, especially in dense breast tissue.

Traditional 2D mammography obtains just a single image of the breast, whereas a 3D mammogram combines multiple breast X-rays, taken from more angles, to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast. The multiple images of breast tissue “slices” give radiologists a clearer image of the breasts, making it easier to detect breast cancer.

Like standard mammograms, 3D mammography uses low-dose X-ray, meaning the amount of radiation you are exposed to during your exam is extremely small.

3D mammography is used for:

• Screening mammograms. The US Preventative Task Force (USPTF) recommends that all people assigned female at birth start having screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or a known genetic mutation, you may need to start screening earlier.
• Diagnostic mammograms. Your healthcare provider may order a 3D mammogram if you have breast cancer symptoms, such as breast pain, a lump in your breast or skin changes. 3D mammography can help rule out cancer or determine if you need a biopsy to check for cancer cells.