3D Mammogram?

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Laura_E
Laura_E Member Posts: 154
edited January 2016 in Waiting for Test Results

Has anyone had this done? And if so, do you feel comfortable with the results provided? I am scheduled to have one done on Wednesday, and would like a little insight into their accuracy.

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited May 2015

    3D mammograms have been shown to be better (more accurate, fewer callbacks) than traditional mammograms. http://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/...

    It's definitely great that you are able to have one!

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  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited May 2015

    I have been having 3-d since January of 2013 and they are very very accurate.

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  • PatRN10
    PatRN10 Member Posts: 332
    edited May 2015

    My 6mm tumor was picked up on 3-D. Rad said he wouldn't have seen it on traditional mammogram.

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited May 2015

    Thank you!! My daughter also asked her Grammy, my former MIL, who is a diagnostic radiologist in TX. She, too, has said they are great.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited May 2015

    Almost same procedure as a traditional 2D mammo. I just had my first one done a few months ago at my BS's recommendation. It is supposed to be a much better tool, esp if you have dense breast tissue. I feel much better having it available, as all facilities do not offer it yet.

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited May 2015

    From patient perspective, it's not different from other digital mammography machines. I think new machines can perform both 2D and 3D mammos. The 3D is considered more accurate. I was diagnozed by 3D. 

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  • InStitches
    InStitches Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2015

    my problem was picked up on only one view of 3d digital mammogram. I received a call to come back in for diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and then to meet with the radiologist. I have had a core needle biopsy and then just yesterday had a surgical excision biopsy. I am now waiting on results. My problem would not have been found without 3d digital. I highly recommend it

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  • bellajenn
    bellajenn Member Posts: 51
    edited May 2015

    I'm with InStitches - I have dense breasts, so they needed the 3d imaging to rule out suspicious areas. I had one area in my left breast that got ruled out with the 3d imaging. One area in my right breast became clearer. I've gone through a biopsy, and will be having my surgical excision next week. From here on out, I've been told that I'll be getting 3d imaging because of my "busy" breasts.

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited May 2015

    Just wanted to do a quick update. Had 3D mammogram, followed by ultrasound today. The radiologist is scheduling an MRI, because there is a "something" causing the dimple, and there are linear calcifications she is "not thrilled about". She's trying to get the MRI set up for within the next week. From what I've read, it seems a lot of dr's don't want to order the MRI? She asked what insurance I have, so she would know how it is is to get it approved. When I told her, she said she knows how? More waiting, I guess. I don't understand the significance of linear calcifications?

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited May 2015

    Well...the nurse called at 9:30 this morning, and the MRI is scheduled for 8:30 am Monday morning. It was approved much faster than I thought it would be, and I told the nurse that. I can't understand what an MRI would show that the 3D mammo and u/s did not, though? For now, though, I'll choose to be more upset about having to remove my glasses, and partial for the MRI.

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited May 2015

    Glad you got approval for the MRI! I had a 3D mammo in Jan 2014 and it did not pick up my cancer...neither did a diagnostic mammo and ultrasound. The MRI picked it up. I'm glad it has been so much better for a lot of ladies, but for me, the 3D didn't help and I wasn't diagnosed until June....would have rather had it pick it up 6 months earlier! Good luck with the MRI. In case it helps...it was stressful when I did the first MRI and had to have my face down...it felt a bit constricting and a little suffocating. For my second one I mentioned that and they let me turn my head to the side to face out...much more comfortable and easier to breathe. Might be worth mentioning if you feel you need it. Take care! Hope all goes well and results are good!!

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited May 2015

    Thanks for the advice, mel147. It's very stressful. I am not sure why an MRI has been ordered? I am trying to keep it together. Will it show the calcifications better, maybe?

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  • PatRN10
    PatRN10 Member Posts: 332
    edited May 2015


    My BS told me that it is pretty standard to at least try to get an MRI on new BC diagnosis. It can help with clinical staging and sometimes pick up something in the other breast. I am wondering with the 3-D technology if The MRI ordering might decrease?

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited May 2015

    Kayb, you are correct. As of right now, there are suspicious changes, but nothing has been confirmed, or refuted. Once all this is over, no matter the outcome, I hope to be one of the ones that sticks around to help others who may be facing the same thing.

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited May 2015

    Laura - that was a great response for you from kayb. In my case, I think the MRI was a better test to do since my breast tissue was dense and so it made it harder to see if there was anything there on the mammo or ultrasound. They did not see calcifications on mine, so I don't know anything about that. Also, as kayb mentioned, it sounds like your doctors are determined to figure things out for you and that is a good thing! Hang in there and take care!

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited May 2015

    Good morning. You are soooo right. I told my mom I'm going to start charging the Drs to look at them!! I, too, did some more research on the 3D mammos, and while they are supposed to be great, there are limitations to anything.

    I think a major cause of my concern is the radiologist asked me if I know which BS I want to see. Quite frankly, none. I'd like to get an all clear! But I am completely grateful my PCP sent me to UT.

    Maybe I'll know more tomorrow. Would it be dumb if I ask the MRI tech if it's a screening or diagnostic one?

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited May 2015

    Are there actually different types of MRI's? I know they do the screening vs. diagnostic for mammos but for mine they only referred to it as an MRI with no distinction. You could certainly ask tomorrow and see what they say.

    After my MRI guided biopsy the radiologist asked me the same thing about which BS did I want to see!! You're not in NC are you? Wouldn't that be funny if it was the same radiologist...Lol!! She then said even if it wasn't cancer, if it were her, she would still want to have it out, which was a very good point.

    Sending good thoughts your way for tomorrow!!

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited May 2015

    Ha!! I'm in TN, but that would be funny. The past week has gone very quickly, and I just want tomorrow to be over. MRI's themselves don't bother me. I had two before my shoulder surgery, and did ok. I am simply tired of all the tests... Maybe I'll have answers in a few days.

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited June 2015

    Okie dokie. MRI over with. It wasn't too bad. And I did ask the tech for a cd, which she gave me. Of course, being nosy, I looked at it. There is a lot of red, but I really have no idea what that means. Now I have to wait 24-48 hours for results.

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited June 2015

    Glad it is done and you already have the CD. I wouldn't have any idea what I was looking at either! Hang in there with the wait - do some fun things to make the time pass by quickly!

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  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited June 2015

    3D picked up my calcifications which led to biopsies and ADH dx

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited June 2015

    No word yet. I was hoping that since I was done by 9 am yesterday, I'd hear something today. :(

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  • 55sunshine
    55sunshine Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2015

    Hoping you get an all clear soon. I am seeing a BS next week. Pretty nervous. I was told I have LCIS after a needle biopsy. It's been pretty worrisome having to wait. Radiologist said I would probably have an MRI and then have a lumpectomy.

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited June 2015

    Prayers and hugs, 55sunshine!!

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited June 2015

    All the patient portal says is: Final: Other (Abnormal) Findings on Radiological Examination of Breast. Waiting for someone to call, and tell me what that means. Could well be nothing, and that would be fantastic. If I haven't heard from someone by noon, I will call them.

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited June 2015

    Sigh. Now I have to have an ultrasound of the left. A year ago, small mass was found on mammo. 6 months ago, I was told it had grown, but drs didn't seem concerned. Since then they have been focusing on the right (which is fine, it seems), but the left is what "lit up like a Christmas tree". I know this sounds selfish, but surely I can refuse the ultrasound next week? I'd like to get back to normal now.

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited June 2015

    Hi, Laura - sorry to hear something showed up and you need more tests. I know you don't want to do it, but it's definitely in your best interests to find out what is going on and have the test done. Did they give you a Birads rating for the left from the MRI? Kind of crazy that they would ignore the small mass that has grown on the left. Would have been nice to have had them check that out the same time they did the ultrasound on the right one and you would have it done already!! Argh!! Hang in there!

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  • Laura_E
    Laura_E Member Posts: 154
    edited June 2015

    If it were any other area, I'd blow off the u/s. So tired of tests. But I have the reports over the past year, that state this spot has been growing. They were supposed to u/s it in April, but the right boob took over, I guess. I did ask for the birads, and it's 5, as of right now. Still too angry to even think about that right now. :(

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  • alicki
    alicki Member Posts: 661
    edited June 2015

    hello,

    Just would like to drop you some words of support. This has been going on for a long Time now and i do hope you get to the bottom othis.

    Best

    Alicki

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited June 2015

    Laura - I can totally understand your anger about this and them not doing the ultrasound earlier - very infuriating for sure!! The testing can be a really pain, but at least they are being thorough now so you should have some definitive answers soon. Are they planning to biopsy the area as well when they do the ultrasound? It sure would be nice to get that over with in one appointment if that is the plan rather than having to come back again. Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend to let off some steam???

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