3D Screening Mammogram in Colorado

A 3D Screening Mammography is “the big picture” while Diagnostic Mammography is “the detail”. A screening mammogram is a routine low-dose x-ray of the breasts performed to detect small abnormalities before they can be felt on an exam. A diagnostic mammogram is performed to evaluate a breast concern such as breast lump, discharge, pain, or to further characterize an abnormal area seen on a screening mammogram.

The mammography technologist will walk you through the process of what is needed to obtain the best images. The technologist will position each breast onto a rectangular curved paddle of the mammogram machine and apply gentle pressure to obtain the x-ray images. You will hold your breath for a few seconds for each view to avoid motion on the images. The technologist will provide instructions on how and when you will obtain your results. 

Screening Mammograms are able to detect findings as small as grains of sand or subtle masses before they can be felt on palpation. The patterns of the mammogram abnormalities determine the degree of suspicion. Most abnormal findings on a screening mammogram prove to be benign (noncancerous) on additional mammogram views or ultrasound. Findings that are persistently suspicious on the additional evaluation are biopsied. 

If you are called back for “a closer look at an area” after a 3D mammogram screening, remember that most findings on a mammogram prove to be benign after additional workup. Since all of The Women’s Imaging Centers are integrated, we can quickly and seamlessly complete your diagnostic imaging workup. An abnormal finding may be related to fibrocystic or hormonal changes of the breast.

Additional imaging may be recommended, including diagnostic mammography or medical diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound. These radiology images help to further characterize an area on the screening mammogram to distinguish benign (noncancerous) findings from malignancy (cancer).

If you are called back for added imaging, you will be able to discuss your results with the radiologist. If there is still a question after the diagnostic breast imaging, the radiologist may recommend a minimally invasive breast biopsy. All of our minimally-invasive breast biopsies are performed in our Centers for your comfort and convenience. If a biopsy is indicated, then results will be available within two working days.

Your Care Team ensures the continuity of care from screening to diagnosis to treatment. If treatment for an atypical, precancerous, or cancer result is needed, we can perform any additional pretreatment imaging, such as MRI or needle localization, at The Women’s Imaging Center.

Our Care Team and navigator will coordinate your care with other specialists, including the radiologist, surgeon, or other specialists based on the recommendation of your referring clinician or within the continuity of care following the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines or the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommendations.

If you are in need of an emergency mammogram, do not hesitate to contact us as soon as possible so we can get you into one of our many locations in the Denver area.