Mammography

Mammography

Results You Can Count On

Early detection of breast cancer is critical to successful treatment. 3D mammography, offered by Stellis Health, not only provides earlier, more definitive detection, it also alleviates up to 40 percent fewer false alarms and callbacks than 2D mammography alone. Our use of 3D technology finds 20 to 65 percent more invasive breast cancers and, in turn, provides you better peace of mind.

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3D Mammography Detects Cancer Earlier

3D mammography is available at our Monticello and Buffalo clinics. Please note that for best results, the Society of Breast Imaging recommends that you should wait 4-6 weeks after your last COVID vaccine and/or booster shot for your mammogram.

Early detection of breast cancer is critical to successful treatment and we offer 3D mammography which provides better, earlier breast cancer detection. 3D mammography finds 20 to 65 percent more invasive breast cancers with fewer false alarms—up to 40 percent fewer callbacks compared to 2D mammography alone. 3D mammography is superior for women across a variety of ages and breast densities.

While routine screening mammography is the most accurate method for early detection, not all cancers are found through mammography. A thorough examination includes a combination of mammography, physical examination and breast self-examination. If you find a lump or other change, contact your health care provider.

Current American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines and The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) guidelines recommend screening mammograms and physical breast examinations every year beginning at age 40. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.

Talk with your provider about the best screening plan for you based on your individual risk factors for breast cancer. Most insurance plans cover screening mammography as a preventive benefit every one to two years for women over age 40. 3D mammography coverage varies so check with your health plan before your visit to ensure you’re covered.

3D mammography creates 3D images of your breast using low-dose digital X-rays whereas a 2D mammogram is a standard mammogram that creates flat images of your breast. 2D mammograms are safe, accurate and provide reliable results. Sometimes during a 2D mammogram, the breast tissue can overlap while it is compressed. This can make the tissue look abnormal. If you have an abnormal mammogram, you will need to have more testing done. 3D mammograms can decrease breast tissue overlap. You will have some radiation exposure from the X-ray during the exam; however, the level of radiation exposure is safely below the American College of Radiology guidelines.

How is a 3D Mammogram done?

  • You will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist up. You will be given a gown to wear.
  • You will stand or sit (if you are in a wheelchair) in front of the mammography machine.
  • The technologist will put one of your breasts on the platform.
  • Your breast will be compressed between 2 panels for about 10 seconds. You will feel pressure.
  • The camera will move in an arc over your breast taking multiple images.
  • After the exam is complete, the technologist will review the images. He or she may need to do more images.

Awarded Gold Seal of Accreditation

Stellis Health has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

Stellis Health offers 3D screening mammography Monday through Friday with occasional Saturday appointments. Traditional 2D screening mammography is also still available at both our Stellis Health-Monticello Clinic and Stellis Health-Buffalo Clinic. 

Call Stellis Health to Schedule your Mammogram today.