Breast tomosynthesis (three-dimensional digital mammography)
3D mammography (tomosynthesis) in Casablanca
During tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, the X-ray tube moves in a small arc above the compressed breast. The images are reconstructed into thin slices which, by reducing the overlap of tissue, help analyze dense breasts. The radiologist scrolls through these slices on screen, like the pages of a book, to examine the breast layer by layer. Depending on the request, it is combined with standard images or an ultrasound.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The images of both breasts usually take 10 to 15 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Senographe Pristina
When is this exam needed?
- Screening or assessment, with a doctor's prescription.
- Dense breasts, whose tissues overlap on a standard image.
- An abnormality on a previous mammogram that needs clarification.
- Check of one breast only, if the request specifies it.
- Lump, pain or change in a breast to be investigated.
How the exam is done
In a changing room, you remove your top and, if needed, wipe off any remaining deodorant or cream. Standing, bare-chested, you are positioned as for a standard mammogram; the tube moves in an arc for a few seconds while the breast is compressed. You just need to stay still during this short sweep.
Each breast is usually examined from the front and at an angle, and an ultrasound may complete the exam. The compression can be uncomfortable, but it lasts only for each acquisition; tell us if the discomfort is strong. Before you leave, the team makes sure the slices are sharp and complete.
Preparation
- On the day of the exam, no deodorant, talc or cream on your breasts or under your arms.
- Bring your previous mammograms for comparison.
- If you still have periods, the week after your period often makes the compression easier to bear.
- An outfit with a separate top makes positioning easier.
Fasting
No fasting is needed.
Contrast injection
3D mammography is done without any injection.
Contraindications and precautions
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us, as 3D mammography uses X-rays.
- Breast implants or breastfeeding: please mention them before the images are taken.
- Surgery, biopsy or radiotherapy of a breast: tell us about them, with the area concerned.
- Very sensitive breasts: let the team know, the compression is adjusted with you.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from your doctor
- Previous mammograms, ultrasounds or breast MRI
- Report of any breast surgery, if applicable
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from a standard mammogram?
A standard mammogram gives a flat image; tomosynthesis gives a series of thin slices that separate overlapping tissue, with the same positioning.
Is the X-ray dose higher?
It remains very low and adapted to the exam, and depends in particular on whether standard images are added. Tell us about any pregnancy.
Does it detect every abnormality?
No exam can show everything. Depending on the case, an ultrasound or an MRI remains useful in addition to the slices.
What does unilateral tomosynthesis mean?
The exam covers only one breast, for example to check a specific finding, when your doctor requests it.
Do I need a prescription for a 3D mammogram?
Yes, tomosynthesis is done with a prescription. Your doctor, gynecologist or midwife specifies whether both breasts or only one should be examined.
Is 3D mammography suitable for dense breasts?
It is one of its main indications: the thin slices reduce the overlap of dense tissue, which can hide an abnormality on a flat image.