What Are The Differences Between A Traditional Mammogram And A 3D Mammogram?

March 20, 2023 – 8 min read

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3D mammograms and traditional (2D) mammograms are similar scans, and both have benefits and drawbacks. If your doctor recommends you get one type of mammogram over another, trust that they have taken everything into account and picked the best scan for you. 3D mammograms are the latest advancement in women’s imaging and make up about 50% of all mammograms conducted around the country today.

Getting a 3D mammogram means you will get more detailed results. With a traditional mammogram, you only get a 2D scan of your breasts, but with a 3D mammogram, you will get a 2D scan and also a 3D digital reconstruction of your breast, so that your doctor can have increased visibility into your breast health. No medical scan is perfect and all are capable of false positives or false negatives. A 3D mammogram is able to detect 80% of cancers, while a traditional mammogram can detect around 59% of cancers

What Happens During A 3D Mammogram?

A 3D mammogram requires the same compression of the breast as a traditional mammogram. Some people describe this compression as painful or uncomfortable. If you experience any discomfort or pain, tell your technician and they will help adjust for your comfort. A 3D mammogram scan takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your entire appointment should last the same amount of time as it would for a traditional mammogram. 

Multiple guidelines recommend all women starting at age 40 get an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer (especially if you have a family history of the disease). 3D mammograms are recommended for women with dense breast tissue. This is because a 3D mammogram spreads out the breast tissue and captures high-quality images at different angles of your breasts. Women with more dense breast tissue are more likely to have or develop breast cancer. In order to know if you have dense breast tissue, though, you will need a mammogram. 

Dense breast tissue and abnormalities like tumors show up as the same color on mammograms, which makes it difficult for your doctor to interpret traditional (2D) results. 3D mammograms help fix this problem. If you have dense breasts, there is no need to increase the frequency of your mammograms. Getting an annual mammogram is still the best course of treatment, although you may want to talk to your doctor about making that annual mammogram a 3D mammogram.

Are There Any Risks When Getting A 3D Mammogram?

The risks of 3D mammograms are minimal. 3D mammogram scans use a marginally higher amount of radiation to capture your images. Studies show that this radiation does not increase your chances of developing cancer. 

The biggest drawback of 3D mammograms is the number of false positives they sometimes offer up. Because of their ability to show incredibly detailed results, 3D mammograms sometimes show abnormalities that could go untreated or undiagnosed without issue. But when those abnormalities are found, doctors sometimes recommend expensive scans and treatments to get rid of them. 

But one of the benefits of 3D mammograms is that the accuracy of the results reduces the number of callbacks after your scan. The main difference between traditional and 3D mammograms is in the results. You get both 2D and 3D results with a 3D mammogram and they are more accurate than traditional (2D) scan results. 

What Are The Alternatives To A 3D Mammogram?

Your doctor may recommend you get an ultrasound after your 3D mammogram if there is a portion of your results that requires further investigation. This is the same reason why your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound after a traditional mammogram. The hope, though, is that a 3D mammogram is detailed enough to rule out any issues to eliminate the need for further imaging, like ultrasounds. 

A breast ultrasound is more accurate than a 3D mammogram, but it is also more expensive. Sometimes, a 3D mammogram gives you accurate enough results that will allow you to go without the more expensive ultrasound. 3D mammograms are a great alternative to traditional mammograms, although other alternatives could be breast MRIs or breast ultrasounds.

A traditional, annual screening mammogram is covered by your insurance. As of August 2018, New Jersey state law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for 3D, annual screening mammograms for women ages 40 and over. Certain out-of-state, federal, and employer insurance plans set up as “self-funded” may not comply with state health insurance laws. If this is the case, the traditional (2D) portion of your appointment would be covered, and you would only need to pay the difference out-of-pocket cost of about $60.00 for the 3D portion. 

After the mammogram is completed, you will get your results within a week. Our subspecialized, board-certified radiologists will read them and send them to your doctor. If our radiologist and your doctor see something requiring emergency treatment, they will get you to help immediately. While 3D mammograms are a new technology, with more accurate results, sticking with a traditional, annual screening mammogram is still an effective way to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities.

A 3D mammogram is not yet the standard of care––although a growing number of doctors have started recommending them. At SJRA, any of our locations with a traditional mammogram also have 3D mammogram capabilities. We want to give you the peace of mind that a mammogram can bring, whether a 3D or a traditional mammogram. Let us empower you to get the care you need today. Schedule your appointment today at any of the following locations: 

Learn more about the board-certified sub-specialized radiologists who read and interpret studies at SJRA here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of 3D mammograms over traditional (2D) mammograms?

3D mammograms provide more detailed results compared to traditional mammograms. With a 3D mammogram, you get a 2D scan of your breasts as well as a 3D digital reconstruction, which offers increased visibility for your doctor. This enhanced imaging can detect 80% of cancers, while traditional mammograms detect around 59% of cancers.

What happens during a 3D mammogram?

During a 3D mammogram, your breasts are compressed similar to a traditional mammogram. Some people may find this compression uncomfortable or painful, but you can inform your technician, who can make adjustments for your comfort. The scan itself takes about 10 minutes, and the entire appointment should last the same amount of time as a traditional mammogram.

Who should consider getting a 3D mammogram?

Multiple guidelines recommend annual screening mammograms for all women starting at age 40. 3D mammograms are particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue, as they provide higher-quality images and better visualization of the breasts. Dense breast tissue increases the risk of breast cancer, and a 3D mammogram can help detect abnormalities more accurately.

Are there any risks associated with 3D mammograms?

The risks of 3D mammograms are minimal. Although they use slightly more radiation compared to traditional mammograms, studies have shown that this increased radiation does not significantly increase the risk of developing any complications.

What are the alternatives to a 3D mammogram?

If a portion of your mammogram results requires further investigation, your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound. However, the hope is that a 3D mammogram provides enough detail to eliminate the need for additional imaging. Breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs are other alternatives.

Is a 3D mammogram covered by insurance?

As of August 2018, New Jersey state law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for 3D annual screening mammograms for women ages 40 and over. However, it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider to confirm coverage details and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

How long does it take to receive the results of a mammogram?

After completing a mammogram, you can expect to receive your results within 24 – 48 hours. Our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists will read and interpret the results and send them to your doctor. If there is any follow up action required, your doctor will reach out to you for next steps.

Should I choose a 3D mammogram or a traditional mammogram?

If your doctor recommends one type of mammogram over another, trust their expertise and judgment. They will consider your specific circumstances and select the best scan for you. Both 3D and traditional mammograms are effective methods for detecting breast cancer and abnormalities, with each having its own benefits and limitations. In most cases, a 3D mammogram is often preferred.

Who interprets the results at SJRA?

All of our mammography studies are interpreted and read by our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists. You can learn more about them by visiting our physician profiles.

Larchmont Imaging and SJRA have united to elevate patient care across South Jersey!

For over 80 years, both Larchmont Imaging and SJRA have been recognized for their state-of-the-art technology, industry-leading subspecialized radiologists, and exceptional patient care. 

What does this mean for you?

  • Our new, combined footprint now includes 16 convenient locations across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties to serve you better.
  • Enjoy more locations with flexible appointment times, including early mornings, evenings, and weekend hours, to accommodate your busy schedule.
  • Benefit from increased availability of same-day and next-day appointment times for quicker imaging results.
  • Schedule your appointments online, 24/7, for greater convenience.
  • Access the highest quality imaging services, typically only offered at hospitals, at costs up to 60% less.

You will continue to have access to the same compassionate office team, highly trained technologists, and experienced radiologists you’ve known and trusted for years.

Thank you for entrusting us with your care. We are excited to continue this legacy together as SJRA to serve our community even stronger.