Mammography is a type of imaging used specifically for examining breast tissue. During a mammography exam, most commonly known as a mammogram, four or more low radiation X-ray images of the breast are captured, with the breast being positioned and compressed briefly for each image.
Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect and diagnose breast cancer. Mammograms can be performed on patients with or without breast implants. For patients with implants, the process is the same, however additional images are taken.
Above you will see a picture of the Mammography machine, which uses a camera to capture images of the breast tissue. We also offer lighted scenery panels in some Mammography rooms.
3D Mammography
3D mammography is available in Barrow, Buford, Braselton, Gainesville, Dawsonville and Demorest.
While traditional mammograms give radiologists a flat, two-dimensional image, 3D mammography (digital tomosynthesis) creates a 3D image using many layers of the breast, so fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by tissue above or below. This means radiologists have to do fewer call-backs for repeat exams because what appeared to be questionable in a traditional image may be very clear in a 3D image.
“Early results with digital 3D mammography are promising. We are already experiencing a reduction in call-backs, unnecessary biopsies and additional tests for our patients.”
Julie Pardue Presley, MD, of Gainesville Radiology Group and medical director of Women’s Imaging at NGMC
3D mammography is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram.
During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over your breast, taking multiple breast images. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of your breast tissue in one millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible. They can scroll through images of your entire breast like pages of a book.
The additional 3D images make it possible for a radiologist to gain a better understanding of your breast tissue during screening, significantly improving early breast cancer detection and providing the confidence to reduce the need for follow-up by up to 40%.
With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion or normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area.
By also looking at the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, the radiologist can provide a more accurate exam. In this way, 3D mammography finds 40% more invasive cancer missed with conventional 2D mammography. It also means there is less chance your doctor will call you back later for a “second look,” because now they can see the breast tissue more clearly.
A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year. Sometimes the radiologist may ask you to come back for follow-up images (called a diagnostic mammogram) to rule out an unclear area in the breast or if there is a breast complaint that needs to be evaluated.
3D mammography complements the standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time. There is no additional compression required, and it only takes a few seconds longer for each view.
It is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram, in both the screening and diagnostic settings.
If you have questions about 3D Mammography or would like to schedule an appointment, call 770-219-7666 to ask our experts and get help scheduling an appointment.
About the Imaging Center
Choose the Imaging Centers of Northeast Georgia Medical Center for your mammogram and enjoy:
- Quick and easy scheduling (online and by phone)
- Early morning, late afternoon, Saturday and same-day appointments
- Care in a spa-like environment
- State-of-the-art imaging technologies, including 3D mammography
- NGMC’s Imaging Centers are ACR-certified Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence
Schedule Your Mammogram
Do you have questions about the mammography services offered at NGMC? Call 770-219-7666 to speak with a member of our team or request a mammogram appointment online. Our fax number for a patient referral is 770-219-7665.
Refer a Patient
If you are a medical office who needs to refer a patient for a mammogram, please fax the referral to us at 770-219-7665.