Mammography

Early Detection. Confident Diagnosis.

Early detection and a fast, accurate diagnosis is the key to overcoming breast cancer. That’s why our center is proud to offer the most significant advances available for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer: Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams and the Affirm® 3D™ breast biopsy system, from Hologic.

In December, 2021, Missouri Delta Medical Center was again awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

Please call 573-472-7122 to schedule your annual screening mammogram appointment.

What is a 3D mammography breast exam?

3D mammography is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram.

During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over your breast, taking multiple breast images. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of your breast tissue in one millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible. They can scroll through images of your entire breast like pages of a book.

The additional 3D images make it possible for a radiologist to gain a better understanding of your breast tissue during screening and the confidence to reduce the need for follow-up imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a need for tomosynthesis breast exams? What are the benefits?

With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking looking like an abnormal area.

By looking at the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, the radiologist can provide a more confident assessment. In a way, 3D mammography finds cancers missed with conventional 2D mammography. It also means there is less chance your doctor will call you back later for a “second look,” because now they can see breast tissue more clearly.

What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic mammogram?

A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year. Sometimes the radiologist may ask you to come back for follow-up images which is call a diagnostic mammogram to rule out an unclear area in the breast or if there is a breast complaint that needs to be evaluated.

Is there more radiation dose?

Very low X-ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same amoutn as a traditional mammogram done on film.

What should I expect during the 3D mammography exam?

3D mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system. There is no additional compression required, and it only takes a few more seconds longer for each view.

Who can have a 3D mammography exam?

It is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram, in both the screening and diagnostic settings.

Affirm® Breast Biopsy System

The Hologic Affirm^® Breast Biopsy Guidance System portfolio includes both upright and prone breast biopsy guidance systems, meaning you can perform minimally invasive procedures on the largest group of patients – even your most challenging cases – in a diverse array of clinical environments, all without compromise. It’s the reason so many doctors choose Hologic systems to help improve biopsy patient comfort and satisfaction.

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SmartCurve™ System

The SmartCurve system provides a curved compression surface that offers a more comfortable patient experience without compromising image quality, exam time, dose or workflow.¹ Clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable mammogram, the SmartCurve system improves comfort in 93% of patients who reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression. Additionally, 95% of patients surveyed would recommend facilities that use a SmartCurve system.