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RAO has long been a pioneer of state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies, leading Central Florida with the most advanced equipment and procedures for greater accuracy, speed and peace of mind. We extend our commitment to women’s imaging by being the region’s one and only comprehensive services provider. Our mission to deliver unsurpassed quality is why our Women’s Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center replaced their 2D mammography equipment with FDA-approved 3D mammography technology, also known as tomosynthesis.
Women naturally have questions about the difference, and we’re happy to explain the superiority of 3D mammography so you can feel confident about scheduling your annual or biennial breast cancer screening.
Superior Accuracy
When comparing mammography technologies, it’s easy to understand why 3D provides greater security than 2D: it’s all in the numbers. “2D mammography produces about four total top and side images of the breast,” says the Medical Director of RAO’s Women’s Imaging Center and breast imaging subspecialist Dr. Amanda Aulls. “That leaves a lot of areas for breast cancer to hide. 3D mammography combines 2D imaging and 3D composite imaging in one process, creating many images and providing greater clarity, especially of dense breast tissue, which historically has been difficult to see through.” This is because both dense breast tissue and cancer display white on a standard 2D mammogram, promoting confusion and oversight. 3D offers greater detail of breast structure for better differentiation and discovery. In fact, studies show that 3D mammography is 20-65% more accurate at discovering invasive breast cancer than 2D alone. “Tomosynthesis makes it easier to distinguish cancer from healthy tissue,” says Dr. Aulls, “making 3D mammography in line with our standard of care.”
The multiple images and angles composing the three-dimensional model enable RAO’s team of breast imaging specialists to see through overlapping breast tissue, for earlier discovery of cancer and a significant reduction in false positive results.
Less Anxiety
False positives are more than just frightening – they often require follow-up appointments with multiple clinicians and additional testing, sometimes even biopsies, which can impact women physically and economically as well as emotionally. Such scares can cause women to avoid future screenings altogether.
“3D imaging reduces the incidence of false alarms and unneeded follow-up testing by up to 40 percent,” says breast imaging subspecialist Dr. Ryan Tompkins. “The reduction in stress is invaluable, as is the added confidence of a correct diagnosis. Comparatively speaking, we believe 3D mammography supports our mission of consummate accuracy.”
Quicker Scan Times
Because of its clearer, more accurate multi-layered imaging of breast tissue, 3D mammography delivers the fastest scan time, limiting breast compression time to less than 4 seconds per scan. Softer, more flexible paddles make breast compression more comfortable for many women. The test adds only seconds to the total exam time, making it virtually indistinguishable from a 2D mammogram.
Breast Imaging Specialists
RAO’s breast imaging specialists are fellowship-trained in the analysis and interpretation of 3D mammography imaging as well as diagnostic procedures like breast MRI and image-guided biopsy, providing enhanced accuracy and safety. We are dedicated to placing your health and security above all else.
Only One RAO
RAO is the region’s only comprehensive provider of women’s imaging for services that go above and beyond the norm. Our high practice standards, advanced technology and quality care have earned our Women’s Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center a Breast Center of Excellence designation by the American College of Radiology. When it’s time for your routine screening mammogram, we invite you to schedule an appointment by calling RAO at (352) 671-4300.
Radiology Associates of Ocala
(352) 671-4300
www.RAOcala.com
