WCH Diagnostics: 3D Mammography

Wooster Community Hospital offers 3D mammograms as a screening tool for early detection of breast diseases in women, as early detection is the best protection. 3D mammography is capable of detecting cancer one to three years before the development of a lump or the onset of any symptoms.

Women with dense breasts are more easily imaged with 3D mammography because of the ability to manipulate the images without additional exposure to the patient. Without the need for conventional film processing, wait time for patients is dramatically decreased. Also, with digital mammography, the radiation dosage to the patient is decreased by 25 percent per exposure compared to film screen mammography.

Our technologists utilize the MammoPad®, which helps make the exam more comfortable for patients. The MammoPad is made of a sponge-like material that provides cushioning and warmth.

Benefits of 3D Mammograms

• Increased image sharpness and detail
• Higher image quality
• Low radiation dose
• Pinpoint diagnosis

What’s the difference between traditional and 3D mammograms?

Three-dimensional (3D) mammography is one of the latest technological innovations in women’s health care. The advanced technology uses a low-dose, short X-ray sweep around the compressed breast with only nine low-dose exposures. This imaging technique is designed to separate the tissues and to reduce the overlapping of structures, which represents a limiting factor in standard 2D mammography.

3D mammograms can be used for screening and diagnostics for the same clinical applications as traditional mammograms for any type of breast, including women with dense breasts, for which cancer detection may be challenging. Learn more

When and how often should you get a mammogram?

According to the American Cancer Society, women with an average risk of developing breast cancer should follow these guidelines:

• Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if desired.
• Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or they can continue yearly screening.
• Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer (those who have a parent, sibling, or child with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year.

3D mammography is available at WCH:
Women's Specialty Center - WCH Main Campus
1761 Beall Avenue
Wooster, OH 44691

Mammography Hours:
Monday / Wednesday: 7 am – 5 pm
Tuesday / Thursday: 7 am – 6 pm
Friday: 7 am - 4:30 pm

For more information about having a 3D mammogram, contact the WCH mammography department at (330) 202-3403. To schedule an appointment, call our scheduling line at (330) 263-8660.