As technology advances, understanding medical exams and procedures becomes more complex. The quality of services provided is an important consideration.
The American Cancer Society endorses mammography, along with yearly physical examinations and monthly self-examinations, as the most effective means of detecting breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Generally, mammography can reveal benign and cancerous growths before you or your physician can feel them. If detected at the earliest, localized stage, breast cancer has a five-year relative survival rate of over 99 percent, according to the American Cancer Society, as small, early-stage cancers are more treatable and can often be removed before they spread to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among American women, accounting for about 1 in 3 new cancer diagnoses in women each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, about 321,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 60,730 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women, along with an estimated 42,140 deaths from the disease. Notably, about 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of it — which is why the American Cancer Society recommends mammography as a life-saving screening tool for all women, not just those considered high-risk. And 3D mammography specifically is becoming the preferred choice for physicians in Southwest Florida. With over 30 years of experience and a team of board-certified radiologists, Radiology Associates of Venice & Englewood (RAVE) is proud to offer 3D mammography to our patients.
What is 3D Mammography?
3D mammography is a revolutionary state-of-the-art technology approved by the FDA in February 2011, which gives radiologists the ability to view inside the breast layer by layer, helping to see the fine details more clearly by minimizing overlapping tissue. During a 3D mammogram, multiple low-dose images known as “slices” of the breast are acquired at different angles. With 3D technology, the radiologist can view a mammogram in a way never before possible.
Is 3D a separate exam or part of my usual mammogram?
The 3D exam is a separate procedure that is performed at the same time as your regular mammogram.
What is the cost and will my insurance cover the 3D exam?
Medicare does cover 3D mammography. Even though 3D mammography is FDA approved and covered by Medicare, most private insurance companies are not yet reimbursing for this exam. However, RAVE has never charged the patient the additional 3D portion of the exam if their insurance doesn’t cover it. “The Radiologists of RAVE include the additional 3D imaging regardless of payment because it’s in the best interest of patient care, so there is never an additional charge.” (Philip Mihm, M.D. RAVE Radiologist)
What are the benefits?
FEWER MAMMOGRAM CALLBACKS for additional mammography – 3D mammography helps distinguish harmless abnormalities from real cancers, leading to fewer callbacks for additional mammography and less anxiety for women. Studies show that combining 3D and digital mammography for screening reduces callback rates by 20-40 percent.
Doctors and scientists agree that early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. 3D mammography has been shown in clinical studies to be more accurate than conventional mammography alone by detecting cancers earlier. A landmark JAMA study of over 450,000 exams found that adding 3D mammography to digital mammography increases invasive breast cancer detection by up to 40 percent while also reducing unnecessary recalls. It’s truly an important component in the screening process.
After 3D mammography, if continued tests and imaging are needed, RAVE uses state-of-the-art technology, including MRI-guided breast biopsies and the Philips 3T wide bore MRI that allows our radiologists to view the breasts in a higher resolution, enabling us to have even more clarity within the breasts. RAVE has been performing MRI breast imaging for over 15 years and with Wide Bore technology, it allows us to accommodate most any sized patient comfortably. With the Philips 3T wide
bore MRI, we are able to cut down on the amount of time it takes for the patient to be scanned. Most breast MRIs take 30 minutes or less, allowing the patient to go on with their day with little disruption.
How long will it take?
The exam will take about 4 seconds longer per view while in compression than the 2D mammography.
How much radiation will I be exposed to?
It varies from person to person and is roughly equivalent to film/screen mammography. The amount of radiation is below government safety standards.
What if my doctor did not mention 3D Mammography to me?
3D is an optional service at this time and elected by the patient. Many physicians know about our new 3D technology and the feedback we have received has been very positive. If you need additional information to help you make this decision, please visit www.RaveRad.com.
Why is RAVE Imaging offering 3D Mammography?
RAVE prides itself on offering the highest quality care for our patients. Our radiologists believe strongly that 3D mammography will benefit our patients.
941-488-7781
VENICE
512-516 S. Nokomis Ave
Venice, FL 34285
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
ENGLEWOOD
900 Pine Street
Englewood, FL 34223
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
SARASOTA
3501 Cattlemen Road
Sarasota, FL 34223
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm