Imaging & Radiology

What is Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT)?
DBT is also known as 3D mammography™ technology. It is the newest state of the art technology that provides clearer and more accurate images of the breast tissue. Traditional 2D mammo takes one single flat picture of the breast in each view. Sometimes the breast tissue can overlap, which could mimic an abnormal density or hide a potential cancer. DBT mammo takes multiple images of the breast in each view, separating the layers of tissue. This eliminates the superimposition of tissues and renders a more detailed and accurate image of the breast.

How are the DBT images obtained?
The usual 2D pictures of both breasts are acquired in the standard fashion. Then, the camera swings in a small arc above the breast to obtain the thin layer pictures of the breast. The breasts remain in compression for slightly longer for the DBT mammo, approximately 4 seconds longer per view.

Is the radiation exposure higher with DBT?
Standard 2D mammo uses a very low x-ray energy. Because the camera arc/scan in DBT mammo takes a few seconds longer, the radiation dose from a DBT mammo is slightly increased. The radiation dose from a DBT remains safely well below the limits set by governing standards. The slight increased radiation dose could be considered negligible compared to the added benefits of DBT mammo.

Who should get DBT mammo?
DBT mammo is beneficial to all patients.  Patients with dense breast tissue may reap the most benefit of 3D mammo.

Is DBT mammo covered by my insurance?
Many health insurance companies are starting to provide coverage for DBT mammo, but not all. It is highly recommended that you call your insurance company to verify coverage. When you call to schedule your mammo appointment, you will be given the specific code for DBT mammo. Call your insurance company and mention the DBT mammo code to verify coverage for the exam. On the day of your appointment, you will be required to sign a waiver stating that the patient accepts full responsibility for the bill if the DBT mammo is not covered by insurance.

What if I cannot get a DBT mammo?
Standard 2D mammography has been proven to save lives. Your breasts will still be fully evaluated with the standard 2D mammo with extra pictures and/or breast ultrasound, as needed.

Greater accuracy means better breast cancer detection and a reduced chance of being called back for additional screenings. 3D Mammography™ is beneficial to all patients, but particularly those with dense breast tissue who may reap the most benefit of enhanced imaging.

The process is not much different than a traditional mammogram as the usual 2D pictures of both breasts are acquired in the standard fashion. Then, the camera swings in a small arc above the breast to obtain the thin layer pictures of the breast.  The breasts remain in compression for slightly longer for the 3D mammogram, approximately 4 seconds longer per view.

Many health insurance companies are starting to provide coverage for 3D Mammography™, but not all. Standard 2D mammography has been proven to save lives.  Your breasts will still be fully evaluated with the standard 2D mammo with extra pictures and/or breast ultrasound, as needed. Talk to your doctor about the new 3D Mammography™ technology available at ACMH and ask if you may be a candidate.

Mammograms save lives! Scheduling a mammogram is simple... obtain an order from your healthcare provider and call 724-543-8131 to schedule your appointment. No insurance? No healthcare provider? No problem! Call 724-543-8133 to find out how you can get free or low cost breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Pennsylvania HealthyWoman Program.