What Can I Expect From My First 3D Mammogram?

February 20, 20233D Mammography Basics

Getting your first mammogram is daunting. There are a lot of unknowns, horror stories, and myths surrounding this procedure, yet it is necessary for your health and well-being. Doctors recommend women start getting an annual mammogram between ages 35 and 40, continuing until their 70s. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends a 3D mammogram (digital breast tomosynthesis) as your annual scan.

A 3D mammogram provides your doctor with more information than a 2D mammogram. A 3D mammogram results in 2D images of the breasts and a 3D model of the interior breast, allowing for better visualization of the size and borders of abnormalities. Because of this increased detail, a 3D mammogram can sometimes eliminate the need for future imaging. Suppose your doctor does see something abnormal on your 3D mammogram results, though. In that case, they may recommend an ultrasound, which is more detailed, but more expensive (not a scan you want to get unnecessarily).

If you’re nervous about your 3D mammogram – whether you’ve had other mammograms before or not – that is perfectly understandable. Most people are. Here are some good practices to help with your nerves:

Try to remember that your mammogram is one part of your healthcare routine – just like a checkup or dental cleaning
Talk to your loved ones about your concerns (maybe even get a friend to book a mammogram at the same time as you, so you can hold each other accountable)
Keep in mind that it is very rare to get called back after your mammogram, and also that it is even rarer for that callback to result in a cancer diagnosis
Ask questions – the more informed you are, the fewer potential issues can concern you
If you’re worried about pain, take ibuprofen or advil ahead of your appointment
Tell your radiologist and technician that you’re nervous – they’ll look out for you and do their best to relieve any discomfort
Treat yourself to a reward after your appointment whether it’s getting your nails done or a coffee on your way home
Get your scan done at a well-regarded women’s imaging center – like South Jersey Radiology

How Do I Prepare For A 3D Mammogram?

Now that you know how to mentally prepare for your first 3D mammogram, let’s talk about how to prepare your body. Preparing for a 3D mammogram is the same as preparing for a 2D mammogram. If your 3D mammogram is your first mammogram, you can prepare by showering, not applying lotions or creams to the top half of your body, not wearing deodorant, and wearing comfortable, loose clothing to your appointment. Try to schedule your mammogram when your breasts will be the least tender (likely the week after your menstrual period). Remember to bring any scans from previous mammograms to your 3D mammogram appointment.

Don’t do anything out of the ordinary the night before your 3D mammogram. Be sure to get enough sleep and keep up your normal routine. Shower and remember not to apply any self-care products to the top half of your body. You can eat, drink, and medicate like normal on the day of your scan, although you should try to avoid high levels of caffeine. Try to avoid wearing any jewelry or anything metal in your hair or on your clothes as these could negatively affect your results.

You can wear regular clothes to your appointment, although you should try not to wear one piece of clothing (dress, jumpsuit, romper, etc.) so you can avoid changing into a hospital gown. Instead, wear separate pieces on top and bottom, so you only have to remove your clothing from the waist up. Your pants, socks, shoes, etc. can remain on during the scan.

The time you schedule your appointment is also an important factor. If you are worried about being sore after, you should keep that in mind when scheduling your scan. It’s best to schedule your scan for a time when your breasts will be the least tender – likely the week after your menstrual period.

What Happens During A 3D Mammogram?

When you arrive at the imaging center, check in like you would at your doctor’s office. Then you’ll go to the exam room, where you’ll need to remove your clothes from the waist up. After you go over your family health history with your radiologist, the exam will begin. You will stand at the mammogram machine and your breast will be compressed between two metal paddles. The imaging will take about 10-15 seconds for each breast and you will need to hold your breath while the scan takes place to minimize the movement and motion blur. The entire process should take about 15-30 minutes.

If your first mammogram is a 3D mammogram, you might be surprised by the discomfort or pain that accompanies the procedure. A mammogram – 3D or otherwise – requires the breast to be pressed down on a metal plate to spread out the tissue. There is no denying that this is an uncomfortable procedure – even painful for some people. Your technician will do everything they can to minimize the discomfort or pain. Currently, all mammography technology requires this pressure, but hopefully, it is in the works somewhere very soon, since people regardless of breast size complain of discomfort or breast soreness.

What Should I Expect After My 3D Mammogram?

After your scan, you are free to leave and go about your regular routine (maybe go get that treat we talked about earlier!). Your results will be analyzed and sent over to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will then call you back with those results within 3-4 days, and sometimes those results mean coming back for additional imaging. But it’s important to remember, only 10% of mammograms are called back for further testing, and of this 10% less than 1% will be diagnosed with cancer. Cancer cannot be diagnosed from a mammogram alone – 3D or otherwise. Your doctor would see a lump or abnormality and request an ultrasound or a biopsy to test it for cancer.

On a 3D mammogram, a tumor looks like a concentration of white. 3D mammograms are great for people with dense breast tissue because dense breast tissue sometimes shows up as white space on your mammogram results. 3D mammograms offer more detailed and accurate results for people with dense breast tissue (normally younger women). Dense breast tissue results from genetics, environment, and exercise and is reduced with age and giving birth.

While people with dense breast tissue may prefer 3D mammograms, this type of scan is also excellent for any person getting an annual screening mammogram who wants to avoid potentially expensive follow-up scans.

Your first 3D mammogram – whether or not it’s your first ever mammogram – can seem stressful and scary. At SJRA, we’ll make sure you feel safe and comfortable, even during a vulnerable scan like this one. Let us help you eliminate the need for extraneous scans with our state-of-the-art 3D mammogram machinery. Don’t let fear or anxious expectations stop you from getting the care you need. Schedule your appointment today at any of the following locations:

Meet the staff members who will be performing your study here.