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Women are encouraged to get annual mammograms when they reach 40 years. Those with a history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors should start screening at an earlier age.
Mammograms are low-dose breast x-ray that can detect breast cancer at least three years before the tumor shows during a breast exam.
Mammograms help oncologists to diagnose breast cancer in its early stages when it’s treatable. They are available in 2D and 3D forms. Both options have their similarities and differences. When you go for your mammogram appointment, your doctor will help you decide the best option for you. Here are some of them;
The positioning of 2D and 3D mammograms is the same. The two provide images of the breast, although in different ways. They use the same amount of radiation, and the procedure takes the same amount of time.
When 2D mammography (conventional digital mammography) is performed, two pictures of each breast are taken, one from above the breast and the other from the side. In 3D mammograms (digital breast tomosynthesis), multiple images of the breast are taken from different angles and combined to create a 3D picture on a computer to provide a more clear view of the breast tissue. It provides great detail and information about the breast.
Both processes use the same degree of compression to get the images. The breasts will be compressed with a clear paddle.
For 3D mammograms;
There is an improved ability to accurately diagnosing breast cancer
Doctors can find small tumors that may have been overlooked on 2D mammograms.
Clearer images in dense breast abnormalities are provided. It can detect and image abnormalities in women with plenty of glandular tissue in their breasts
It minimizes the chances of false positives
Both 2D and 3D mammograms are good screening options for breast cancer. They should be interpreted by specialist breast radiologists who’ll give an accurate diagnosis.
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