At some point in their lives, one in eight American women will develop breast cancer – the most common form of cancer in women.

Breast cancer does not present any symptoms during its preliminary and early stages, when the tumor is still small and the risk of it spreading throughout the body is significantly lower. That’s why screening examinations are so important.

Early Detection: The First Step Toward Healing

A physical breast exam performed by a doctor followed by a mammogram is the most common form of screening. If your doctor detects a change in your breast tissue, such as thickening or a lump, during a physical exam, he/she will refer you to have a mammogram.

Screening Recommendations

Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20 and a yearly mammogram starting at age 50. Those who have a known risk due to personal or family history should start screening even earlier.

What is 3D Mammography?

Mammography is a noninvasive type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine changes in breast tissue. Standard mammograms produce images in the two-dimensional space. 3D mammography (also called tomosynthesis) is a system where the X-ray tube moves in an arc over the breast during the exposure. It creates a series of thin image “slices” through the breast that reviewing physicians can scroll through for a comprehensive 3D image overview.

2D versus 3D

Bexar Imaging is thrilled to introduce a new technology: Wide-Angle Breast Tomosynthesis. Breast tomosynthesis using the MAMMOMAT Inspiration by Siemens Healthineers can detect cancer in women with dense breast more accurately than traditional 2D examinations.

The MAMMOMAT Inspiration addresses standard mammography’s shortcomings by providing a 3D overview of the breast. Specifically, the X-ray tube moves through a 50° arc above the stationary detector, acquiring an image every two degrees for a total of 25 projections. The projection images are then reconstructed into a 3D volume for reviewing physicians to scroll through the slices for a comprehensive overview. With high spatial resolution and the large acquisition angle of 50°, it’s possible to spot suspicious lesions a 2D mammography system may miss.

Experience the 3D Difference

With Wide-Angle Breast Tomosynthesis now available at Bexar Imaging, patients can receive reliable imaging exams regardless of breast density. 3D images are available within minutes, with less risk of the patient being recalled for an additional exam, and results are typically ready in as little as 24 hours.