3D Mammography

Introducing 3D Mammography to Los Angeles

The Women’s Imaging Center at St. Francis Medical Center is proud to be one of the first hospitals in Los Angeles to offer 3D digital breast tomosynthesis imaging.

Breast Tomosynthesis and 3D digital mammography, are the most significant advancements in breast cancer detection in over 30 years. Tomosynthesis is a three-dimensional mammographic examination that will minimize the effects of structural overlap within the breast.

Key Benefits of the Technology:

･ The most accurate screening available

･ Increased comfort

･ Precise imaging reduces the need for additional testing

･ Scan time of 4 seconds

･ A 3D screening modality that preserves the very high resolution of 2D imaging

･ Multiple images of the breast are acquired at different angles during a sweep of  the x-ray tube

･ Allows radiologists to see around overlapping structures

･ Reduced imaging time for shorter procedures

･ Increased needle accuracy during biopsy

What is tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is a new technology that allows the physician to see thin mammography sections of the entire breast. This results in better detail without the superimposed tissue above and below each section that can hide abnormalities on the traditional two-dimensional image provided by mammography.

What are the benefits of tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis provides physicians with a clearer image of the breast tissue and decreases the need for further examinations. This technology can help distinguish superimposed tissue from real abnormalities, leading to fewer call backs and less anxiety for women. Tomosynthesis may also find smaller cancers at earlier stages.

Who should have tomosynthesis?

Almost all patients who need a screening or diagnostic mammogram can benefit from having 3D mammography. Tomosynthesis is especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue.

Schedule Your 3D Mammography Appointment, call: 310-900-4514

The Women’s Imaging Center:
Available for scheduled procedures Monday-Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm

The Women’s Imaging Center is located in the Health Services Pavilion on the terrace level and is a center of excellence in providing comprehensive women’s health services to our community, operating under the St. Francis Medical Center core values of respect and compassion.

The Mammography Imaging Service at St. Francis Medical Center is accredited on Quality and Safety by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and also certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as by the Public Health Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Screening Mammography

Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to earlier detection of breast cancers, at a time when they are more curable and when breast-conservation therapies are available.

Diagnostic Mammography

Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findingsﾑsuch as a breast lump or lumpsﾑthat have been found by the patient or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammography in order to further evaluate an area of concern on the screening exam.