Do I have dense breast tissue and does it matter?
Here’s one of the most basic breast health questions every woman should ask. If you have a history of breast disease or what is called radiographically dense breast tissue (which your care provider can tell you), you’ll need to be more proactive about breast health. In fact, dense breast tissue increases the risk of breast cancer by up to five times.
If I am at higher risk, what can I do to protect myself?
You’ll want to partner closely with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re getting regular checkups. And you’ll want to ask about technologies optimised for assessing breast health in those parts considered difficult to scan.
Are there specific technologies I should know about?
One of the most promising new technologies is automated 3D ultrasound. Instead of flat, 2D images, this powerful ultrasound technology gives physicians a more realistic view of the whole breast and its physical structures; providing multiple views – side to side, back-to-front, and more.
Should I ask to be scanned with a 3D system?
If you have dense breast tissue or a history of breast disease, it’s something you should definitely discuss with your healthcare provider. Ultrasound is an established tool for imaging dense breast tissue. It has the unique ability to distinguish between fatty and dense breast tissue, as well as being non-ionizing, meaning there is no radiation.
So does 3D ultrasound replace mammography?
Absolutely not. Mammography is considered the gold standard in breast screening, but it misses or overlooks roughly 10% of the cancer in women with dense breast tissue. It’s been reported that a single screening ultrasound following a standard mammogram increases the detection of breast cancers that are small and node-negative.
Is the 3D ultrasound scan painful?
If you’ve experienced a traditional mammogram, it’s completely understandable why you ask. You’ll be pleased to know the answer is “NO”. It is relatively painless, quick and comfortable exam.
What’s the exam process like?
You lie on a table; and a lotion is applied to your breast. A stabilising membrane is attached to the ultrasound scanner to minimize breast movement and the scanner is placed on your breast. The scan takes approximately 60 seconds and typically, three scans are done on each breast. The entire exam is usually finished in less than 10 minutes.
How do I get a supplemental 3D scan?
Talk with your healthcare provider about your condition and whether a 3D scan makes sense. An increasing number of breast centres and radiology departments are investing in this state-of-the-art breast technology. It is likely to your physician’s office or a centre near you, where you can perform the procedure.
source: healthmeup
