Do What's Best for Your Breasts

All women have varying amounts of breast density. Some women have very fatty breasts, and traditional mammography works well for them. Some have dense breasts, and mammography alone is not always the best option.

Refer to your mammogram report in MyChart or result letter for your breast density.

All TriHealth Imaging Centers use 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, as the standard of care for mammogram imaging. This type of mammogram allows for an x-ray to move in an arc over your breast so your breast tissue can be viewed in 3D.

3D mammogram is particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue since your breast can be viewed one layer at a time.

Supplemental Imaging: when mammography alone is not enough 

Women who have dense breast tissue or have a close family history of breast cancer may be eligible for additional imaging to screen for breast cancer. Supplemental imaging options for screening purposes available at TriHealth include breast MRI and whole breast ultrasound. You should discuss with your provider if one of these is indicated and which may be preferred.

Supplemental imaging can be beneficial to women with dense breast tissue These tests are more sensitive than mammograms which means they can also identify things that are not cancer, leading to biopsies and other testing that may not have otherwise been necessary. These tests are often not entirely covered by insurance. It is important to discuss these recommendations with your medical provider to determine the best individualized approach to breast cancer screening for you.

If you have dense breast tissue (heterogeneously dense breast tissue or extremely dense breast tissue) noted on your mammogram report but no other risk factors proceeding with 3D mammography may still be the best option for you.

Breast MRI: uses magnetic fields to help create 3D pictures of the inside of the breast which can then be examined on a computer monitor. No radiation is used during a breast MRI. IV contrast material must be administered to effectively assess the breasts for malignant disease.

Whole breast ultrasound: uses high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the breast. No contrast is used during this procedure. Whole breast ultrasound is also more sensitive than mammogram but not as sensitive as breast MRI.

Breast Cancer: The High-Risk Category 

Those who fall into the high-risk category should be assessed professionally so they can start being proactive about their breast health now.

For more information about the TriHealth High-Risk Breast Program click here or call 513-865-5919.