Digital Mammography With Breast Tomosynthesis

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Early detection of this disease through self-examinations and mammograms can help promote a positive outcome. In order to help with early detection, UPMC Bedford now offers digital mammography with breast tomosynthesis.

This innovative service is an imaging procedure that uses low-energy x-rays to create a 3D image of the breasts. Conventional mammography takes pictures of the breast from two angles — up and down, and left and right — but tomosynthesis takes multiple pictures from several angles. This enables the health care professional to see a clear, 3D image of the breast tissue. Some of the other benefits of using this new technology are:

• Faster than digital mammography
• More comfortable
• More precise treatments and fewer repeat exams

UPMC Bedford's digital mammography unit with breast tomosynthesis is the latest, state-of-the-art technology in breast imaging, and is the only unit of its kind between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.

If you are a woman who is a breast cancer survivor, are at high risk for breast cancer, have a family history of breast cancer, or have had several false-positive mammograms, talk to your primary care physician (PCP) to see if this new service is right for you.

If you do not have a PCP, you can visit Find A Doctor to locate one near you.