Why have a digital mammogram?
Defend against breast disease
Breast cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in
the U.S. About 1 in 8 American women will develop invasive breast cancer over
the course of her lifetime. Detection of breast cancer or other breast disease
often starts with a mammography screening. Mammography uses X-rays
to scan the breasts for anything irregular or that might be a change from
one screening to the next. Mammography makes it easier for doctors to
catch breast cancer early, according to BreastCancer.org, often for better
outcomes.
Get a clearer picture close to home
When it comes to finding quality advanced imaging services for breast
health, residents of Willow Park, Weatherford, Aledo, Hudson Oaks and
Annetta don’t have to go far. Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness
Willow Park offers convenient care as part of Texas Health Harris Methodist
Hospital Fort Worth.
Texas Health Willow Park offers both 2D and 3D digital X-ray mammograms that can store and analyze the
information from a screening using a computer. “Because digital mammograms are stored electronically, they
can be effectively analyzed by radiologists, making them a clear choice for many patients,” explains Lance
Goble, Imaging Manager at Texas Health Willow Park. “The procedure for a digital screening mammogram is
basically performed the same way whether in 2D or 3D. A picture of the interior of the breast is displayed for
precise images, to promote an accurate diagnosis. A 3D digital mammogram especially reduces the overlap
of breast tissue to make it possible for a radiologist to see through dense tissue areas.”
Goble adds that there are other benefits to having a 2D or 3D digital screening mammogram as well, including:
• Easier second opinions. Images can easily be sent electronically for analysis.
• A more precise view. Pictures are typically taken of each breast from the side and from above and can be
manipulated in ways that improve clarity and visibility over what was once possible with a film mammogram.
• Less need for follow-up imaging. The clearer images make it easier to view dense breast tissue and small
tumors, and often eliminate the need for “call back” testing.
• Lower radiation dosage. Digital mammograms often take more views of each breast, but they use about 25
percent less radiation than earlier technology.
Is a digital mammogram best for you?
The American College of Radiology and American Cancer Society recommend women begin screening for
breast disease at age 40. If you have dense breast tissue and/or haven’t yet gone through menopause as a woman
(or have been in menopause for less than a year), or you have used hormones over time (which can change the
composition of breast tissue), Goble notes that you might also benefit from a digital screening mammogram.
Find comfort and trust
Patients who have not had a mammogram may be apprehensive when their screening is scheduled. At
Texas Health Willow Park, providing peace of mind is always top of mind. “The staff in our imaging area is well
educated on breast imaging, safety protocols and insurance coverage, and can answer most mammography
questions outside of the technical aspect of the exam,” Goble says.
“We consider the process to be a collaborative effort between the patient and the technologist when it
comes to position, compression and imaging. Comfort and trust are the two most important factors we set
out to establish before an exam is done here at Texas Health Willow Park,” he adds.
To learn more about breast health, visit TexasHealth.org/
BreastCare. To schedule your digital screening
mammogram at Texas Health Willow Park, call 817-757-1539.
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