Baptist Medical Center Nassau – “3D Mammograms”

Baptist Medical Center Nassau
Press Release
November 1, 2019

Is it time for your annual mammogram?

Here’s what you need to know

If you’re getting ready for your annual mammogram, you may have heard the term “3D mammogram,” which is different from a traditional 2D mammogram.

But what sets them apart?

“3D mammography is quickly becoming the standard of care for breast cancer screening. This type of imaging makes it easier to see the layers of breast tissue, allowing for better cancer detection,” said Jenny Kingery, associate director of Imaging at Baptist Nassau, which began offering 3D mammography in summer 2018.

Traditional 2D mammograms take one picture across the entire breast, in two directions: top to bottom and side to side. Unclear or suspicious findings from 2D views can increase the need for additional imaging and also lead to more false-positives.

3D mammography is designed to overcome these limitations. 3D imaging technology moves in an arc around the breast to take X-ray pictures from many angles in seconds. A computer quickly assembles the pictures to produce clear, highly focused 3D images. This allows the radiologist to view the entire breast, layer by layer, for a more accurate screening.

To better understand how it works, picture a layer cake. If you look at the top of the unsliced cake, it’s a fairly flat, two-dimensional circle. That’s a 2D mammogram—you can see the cake and the frosting, but fine details, like the flecks of chocolate and sprinkles inside the cake, are hidden from view.

If you slice the cake and look inside, you can see the layers of icing and the mix of flavors. And if you grab another slice, you’ll see additional details. No two slices are quite the same. 3D mammograms take this approach—presenting different views of the breast in each layer.

“The process is basically the same as what you experience with a traditional 2D mammogram, but the results are more accurate,” said Kingery.

We know—getting a mammogram isn’t a piece of cake. But it pays off. Caring for your health yields sweet rewards.
Early detection of breast cancer leads to a survival rate of nearly 100% for those who spot their cancer early. And that is something to celebrate.

To make an appointment for a 3D mammogram at Baptist Nassau, call 904.202.2222. Same-day or next-day appointments are available.