Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants
Screening Made Smarter: Your Guide to Modern Mammography Options
Should women get screening mammograms for breast cancer?
Yes, absolutely! Women aged 40 and older should prioritize annual mammograms to detect breast cancer early, which greatly improves outcomes. We use advanced 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, as the most effective screening tool available.
Yes, absolutely! Women aged 40 and older should prioritize annual mammograms to detect breast cancer early, which greatly improves outcomes. We use advanced 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, as the most effective screening tool available.
How does 3D mammography compare to traditional 2D mammography?
3D mammography is far more effective. It captures multiple thin-slice images of the breast, allowing us to examine tissue layer by layer, like flipping through a book. This approach helps us detect cancers earlier and with greater accuracy. Our center utilizes high-resolution 3D systems to produce the clearest possible images.
3D mammography is far more effective. It captures multiple thin-slice images of the breast, allowing us to examine tissue layer by layer, like flipping through a book. This approach helps us detect cancers earlier and with greater accuracy. Our center utilizes high-resolution 3D systems to produce the clearest possible images.
What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in mammograms?
AI acts as a valuable assistant, flagging potential abnormalities for review, but it doesn’t replace our radiologists’ expertise. It highlights areas that might be cancerous or benign, helping us focus on key spots. Dense breast tissue can make detection challenging, but AI is improving, catching more cancers that appear between screenings while minimizing false alarms.
AI acts as a valuable assistant, flagging potential abnormalities for review, but it doesn’t replace our radiologists’ expertise. It highlights areas that might be cancerous or benign, helping us focus on key spots. Dense breast tissue can make detection challenging, but AI is improving, catching more cancers that appear between screenings while minimizing false alarms.
What options are available for screening dense breast tissue?
Dense breasts can hide cancer, so additional tools are helpful. Breast MRI uses contrast dye to highlight cancers, but it is costly and not always covered by insurance. Contrast-enhanced mammography, which also utilizes dye, is a more accessible alternative that is often covered for diagnostic purposes. For a radiation-free option, automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) provides a thorough, gentle scan of the breast tissue.
Dense breasts can hide cancer, so additional tools are helpful. Breast MRI uses contrast dye to highlight cancers, but it is costly and not always covered by insurance. Contrast-enhanced mammography, which also utilizes dye, is a more accessible alternative that is often covered for diagnostic purposes. For a radiation-free option, automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) provides a thorough, gentle scan of the breast tissue.
What happens if a mammogram shows something unusual?
If we spot something concerning, we use 3D imaging to pinpoint the issue, often followed by additional mammogram views or an ultrasound. Advanced ultrasound techniques help us determine if a lump is solid or a harmless cyst. We also use tools to measure tissue firmness, as cancers tend to be harder, which helps guide whether a biopsy is needed.
If we spot something concerning, we use 3D imaging to pinpoint the issue, often followed by additional mammogram views or an ultrasound. Advanced ultrasound techniques help us determine if a lump is solid or a harmless cyst. We also use tools to measure tissue firmness, as cancers tend to be harder, which helps guide whether a biopsy is needed.
If I need a biopsy, how is that coordinated?
We partner closely with a specialized team of breast surgeons and nurses to ensure seamless care for our patients who may require a breast biopsy. We discuss the findings and coordinate the biopsy process to make sure you are supported every step of the way. Many patients find biopsies to be more comfortable than anticipated.
We partner closely with a specialized team of breast surgeons and nurses to ensure seamless care for our patients who may require a breast biopsy. We discuss the findings and coordinate the biopsy process to make sure you are supported every step of the way. Many patients find biopsies to be more comfortable than anticipated.
How often should women get screened?
We recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40, or age 35 if you have a strong family history of breast cancer. Scheduling your mammogram is a vital step toward early detection, which saves lives. With advancements like AI and expanded insurance coverage in 2026, screening is more accessible than ever. Our goal is to help you stay healthy for many years to come!
We recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40, or age 35 if you have a strong family history of breast cancer. Scheduling your mammogram is a vital step toward early detection, which saves lives. With advancements like AI and expanded insurance coverage in 2026, screening is more accessible than ever. Our goal is to help you stay healthy for many years to come!