Diagnostic Medical Sonography News April 2020 | Page 4

Departments
Adult
Cardiac Sonography ATC
We are happy to announce that the state has approved and finalized our Adult
Cardiac Sonography ATC program, which will start in the fall. The program will
take two semesters to complete and is designed for existing board-certified
sonographers trying to add Echo Certification to their resume – which will give
them an edge in a much-needed area of the industry! For more information,
please visit easternflorida.edu/academics/health-nursing/our-programs/
cardiac-sonography
Breast Sonography
(Mammography)
Breast Mammography MLO View
Diagnostic
Medical
Sonography
Somewhat of a new concept, a 3D mammogram is an imaging test that
combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the
breast. During this exam, an X-ray arm sweeps over the breast and takes a
few images to be seen by a radiologist. It is used on both men and women to
look for breast cancer when there are not any signs or symptoms. When used
for breast screenings, 3D and standard 2D mammogram images are created.
Combing both images reduces the need for any additional imaging and can
faintly increase the number of cancers found during screenings. However,
more studies are needed to recognize whether 3D mammograms can reduce
the risk of succumbing to breast cancer more significantly than standard 2D
mammograms alone.
Why are they combined?
Together, a 3D mammogram and a 2D mammogram can:

Reduce the need for follow-up imaging. When doctors find abnormalities
on standard 2D mammogram images, they normally recommend
additional images. Coming back for an additional screening can be stressful
and/or lead to additional costs. Combing a standard mammogram with a
3D mammogram provides additional information upfront.

Detect more cancers than a standard mammogram alone. Studies
indicate that combining a 3D mammogram with a standard 2D
mammogram can result in finding one more instance of breast
cancer among every 1,000 women screened (compared to a standard
mammogram alone).

Improve breast cancer detection in dense breast tissue. A 3D
mammogram has the advantage of detecting breast cancer in people
with dense breast tissue, which is typically more difficult to see in a 2D
mammogram, as it allows doctors to see beyond any areas of density.
Yasmeen Aburomi
Sonography Intern