Peachy the Magazine September October 2015 | Page 106

You and your doctor may decide on
an additional screening modality once
the pros and cons are discussed. One
of the newer modalities to consider is
the 3D mammogram, or breast tomosynthesis. This procedure is done at
the same time as a mammogram and
uses multiple X-rays from various
angles to produce a 3D image of the
breast. While it does expose women
to increased radiation because of the
additional views, 3D imaging can
detect an additional one to two cancers
per 1,000 women as compared to regular mammogram. It also reduces the
risk for a call back. This test typically
costs an additional $50 to $150 and is
generally not covered by insurance.
Breast ultrasound is often done with
a mammogram. It has the potential
to detect an additional three to four
cancers per 1,000 women than mammogram alone. Ultrasound does not
have any increased radiation exposure
but does increase the likelihood of
additional imaging and biopsies. This
test is generally covered when added
to a mammogram.
Breast MRI has been shown to detect
18 or more additional cancers per 1,000
women when compared to routine
mammograms. There is no additional
radiation, but the results are associated
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with a higher incidence of false positive results, which may lead to biopsies
and surgeries. Breast MRI is often not
covered by insurance unless there is a
strong family history or positive genetic
test for breast cancer.
In conclusion, dense breasts are a
common finding on mammogram. In
women 40 to 50 years old with no associated risk factors, annual mammograms are sufficient. In women with
associated risk factors—or women
older than 50 with findings of dense
breasts on mammogram—additional
testing is recommended. More information will be available to patients as
review of newer imaging techniques
becomes available. n