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Breast and Bone – Radiologist – Dr Herman Fourie

3D Mammograms

Digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) is a revolutionary new screening tool for breast cancer. Instead of the static traditional 2-D mammogram, tomosynthesis (TOMO) is performed with a 4-second sweep of the X-ray tube to give 1mm-thin images of the breast.
The traditional static 2-D mammograms will be obtained at the same time. This combined exam has been shown to find 30% more breast cancers because of earlier detection.
3D Mammograms

The most accurate screening available

Increased comfort – No more pain!

Improved imaging reduces the need for additional testing

3d mammogram machine

Advantages

Reduced imaging time allows for shorter procedures - Scan time of 4 seconds

Multiple images are acquired (at different angles) during a single sweep

3D images but with the very high resolution of 2D images

Allows radiologists to see around overlapping structures

Increased needle accuracy during biopsy

Ultrasound Scans

3D Mammograms

Bone Density Scans

Frequently Asked Questions

3D mammography results in superior clinical performance by minimizing the impact of overlapping breast tissue. This technology can help improve The current cost of a complete 3D mammogram is approximately R1580, which is the same as for 2D mammograms. This cost is fully covered by medical aids, as it was before.

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.

The 3D exam is a separate procedure performed simultaneously with your 2D mammogram, providing the radiologist with additional views of the breast for increased accuracy.

The exam will take approximately 4 seconds per view. Depending on the time required to reposition the breast between views, the entire exam could be completed in under a minute for all 4 views. Including paperwork and reporting, the visit should take around 15 minutes.

3D mammography results in superior clinical performance by minimizing the impact of overlapping breast tissue. This technology can help improve breast cancer screening and cancer detection. Radiologists currently experience a 30-40% increase in breast cancer detection with 3D mammography. Once diagnosed, radiologists can better see the size, shape, and location of any abnormalities.

The amount of radiation received during a 3D mammogram varies from person to person but is generally lower than that of conventional 2D film/screen mammography, averaging around 2.5mGy. However, it is slightly higher than a full field digital 2D mammogram because the 2D scan is still included in the 3D series. Despite this, the radiation dose remains below the safety standards set by the government, which is 3mGy.

Dr. Herman Fourie believes that all patients benefit from this revolutionary technology, regardless of their breast density or family history. Doctors and scientists agree that early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. Clinical studies have shown that 3D mammography is more accurate than conventional mammography alone in detecting cancers earlier.

Certainty with Confidence

This 3D mammography test uses revolutionary state of the art technology to view the inside of the breast layer by layer in 1mm-thin images.

Thorough with Diligence

Breast Tomosynthesis has been shown to find 30% more breast cancers because of earlier detection when compared with standard 2D mammography.

Quality without Compromise

With 4 practices across South Africa, we are on a mission to change the face of breast care in Pretoria.

South Africans Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

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