WPG Health Update: How 3D Mammography Could Save Your Life

Ladies, if you had to pick your top ten favorite things to do, mammography probably would not be on the top of the list, but this simple test, once a year could save your life. Now, new 3D mammography is making it is easier to detect breast cancer in its early, most treatable stages.

3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, was approved by the FDA in February 2011. It is a revolutionary technology that combines the advantages of digital mammography with a 3D image of the breasts to create multiple images or "slices" of the breast tissue which allows radiologists to see greater detail and helps reduce the impact of overlapping breast tissue. The process is performed at the same time as a normal mammogram, with no noticeable differences in the experience or exam time for the patient.

With 3D mammography, radiologists can better determine the size, shape and location of an abnormality, and more accurately distinguish normal tissue from abnormal tissue. These better views can lead to fewer callbacks and ultimately less anxiety for women.

Robin Stoloff talks with Dr. Peggy Avagliano, radiologist with Atlantic Medical Imaging, about the advantages of 3D mammography...