Scheduling Your Mammogram & Other Breast Imaging Procedures

UC Health uses advanced imaging technologies and experts for imaging services. The images we obtain help us diagnose and treat diseases such as breast cancer. Our goal is to detect the problem as soon as possible so we can treat it in the early stages.

3D Mammography

All UC Health breast imaging facilities, including the mobile diagnostic unit, use 3D mammography—an advanced screening tool which allows for improved detection for breast imaging.

3D mammography, a screening mammography, enables early breast cancer detection, and can be used in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram.  3D mammography produces additional views, allowing the radiologist a clearer perspective to distinguish areas that need to be evaluated. As a result, fewer patients need to be called back for additional tests since breast tissue can be seen more clearly. In addition, smaller cancers can be found earlier than with 2D mammography.

Screenings using the 3D mammography typically take about 15 minutes.

Diagnostic Mammography

While a screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year, your radiologist may ask you to come back for follow-up images in a diagnostic mammogram. The diagnostic mammogram is used to rule out the possibility of cancer in a suspicious area of the breast or to further investigate a breast complaint. Having a diagnostic mammogram does not mean that you have cancer, and could be triggered by:

• This being your first mammogram
• Being unable to provide past mammogram images for comparison
• Having extremely dense breast tissue
• Having a suspicious area in your screening mammogram