Mammography

Try not to have your mammogram the week before your period or during your period. Your breasts may be tender or swollen then making the examination more painful.

With modern equipment and technology, the radiation dose used for your mammogram is very low. The benefits of finding and treating a breast cancer early far outweigh any risk from the x-rays. Very occasionally bruising or splitting of the skin occurs. Implant rupture has been reported however the risk is very low. Your mammographer will discuss this with you if you have implants and ask you to sign a consent to have the mammogram.

3D Mammography/Tomosynthesis is a technique that produces 3D images of the breast and is our standard service at Mercy Radiology and Mercy Breast Clinic.  This technology has been proven to increase the breast cancer detection rate by up to 43% as well as reduces the recall rate and any unnecessary additional testing or biopsies. Learn more about Tomosynthesis.

Read the FAQ's below for more information about 3D Mammogram with Tomoysnthesis.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer significantly improves a woman’s chance of survival.

If an area in your mammogram needs further investigation you will be contacted for another appointment with us. This appointment may involve more mammogram images, ultrasound, or a biopsy.

Breast Ultrasound produces images of the breast tissue using sound waves. It is used in conjunction with mammograms to help diagnose breast lumps and other abnormalities found during physical examination, mammography or MRI. Ultrasounds DO NOT replace mammograms as many breast cancers are not visible on ultrasound. One of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be calcium deposits called microcalcifications. These will only show up in mammograms.

Allevia Radiology & Allevia Breast Institute strongly believe in the benefits of 3D mammogram / tomosynthesis, which is our standard imaging technique for both screening and diagnostic mammograms for all our patients.

This 3D Mammogram/ Tomosynthesis will:

• Provide greater clarity in our imaging, improving cancer detection.
• Reduce false positives compared with 2D imaging.
• Reduce the need for further additional mammogram views
• Reduce potential recall of patients which can create unnecessary anxiety and concern.

A 3D mammogram is an effective method of breast imaging, for all breast densities and for women in all age groups. We know 3D mammography is the most advanced breast cancer screening, this will benefit our patients, ensuring they have access to the best technology ensuring a clear, accurate and timely diagnosis.

With a 2D (2 dimensional) mammogram - often called conventional mammography, 4 images are taken of the breasts - two from above and two from the sides. This can result in overlap of tissue due to the breast being imaged in one plane. 3D or Tomosynthesis (Tomo) is an advanced form of mammography that produces images in 1mm slices. This allows separation of the overlapping tissue and reduces the ability for abnormalities to be hidden behind normal breast tissue. 

Tomosynthesis:

• Has been proved to increase breast cancer detection by up to 43%.
• Reduces the likelihood you will be recalled for additional imaging.
• Is suitable for woman of all ages and breast densities.

Allevia Radiology and Allevia Breast Institute believe that this type of imaging provides our specialist Doctors with valuable information aiding in the detection of some small invasive cancers. 3D mammogram has been proven to have a higher cancer detection rate for invasive breast cancers allowing better visualisation of the cancer by separating the cancer from the adjacent breast tissue.

Yes, 3D mammography / tomosynthesis is covered by Southern Cross and most other insurers.

3D mammogram is a more advanced technology for mammography. Whilst not currently used as part of Breast Screen Aotearoa’s standard approach to screening, it is used as additional imaging if required to aid in diagnosis of any concern that may have been identified.

A 2D mammogram still has a good cancer detection rate. There are a smaller percentage of cancers that can only be seen on 3D mammogram, especially in patients with higher breast densities.

Because breast tomosynthesis has multiple images, it allows accurate localisation of an abnormality which then enables better targeting in terms of where the lesion may be on ultrasound. It also allows margin detection of a lesion which enables better assessment, when reviewing with ultrasound to decide if the lesion is benign or malignant. Tomo is a supportive tool for the ultrasound.

Our 3D mammogram/Tomosynthesis costs are as follows for private paying.

Unilateral mammogram (one breast): $270-$325.

Bilateral mammogram (both breasts): $310-$375.