3D Is Not Just for Movies!

October 22, 2012

It was time for my annual mammogram, and I received a letter reminding me of my appointment. It also included the following:

"The University of Kansas Hospital is pleased to announce the installation and availability of 3D Mammography (also called Tomosynthesis). This revolutionary technology is being called the most significant advancement in breast cancer screening in 30 years." And, it would cost me an extra $60 if my insurance company wouldn’t pay for the more expensive mammogram.

I decided to spend the extra money and have a 3D mammogram. Soon thereafter, I received a phone call. A "suspicious spiculated mass" was found that needed to be biopsied. During the biopsy, the radiologist told me that a regular mammogram would not have found the mass. Because my breasts are dense, the tumor would not have been seen without 3D mammography. The biopsy confirmed what the radiologist already knew. I had invasive ductal carcinoma.

On October 15th, I had a lumpectomy. The tumor had not spread to any lymph nodes. It is either currently undergoing pathology or has been flash frozen in the University of Kansas Biospecimen Bank to be used in research. I thought it would be a fitting place for that nasty tissue to reside.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I am blessed that my cancer was caught early. It was found because I chose to have a 3D mammogram. For anyone with dense breasts, please consider this new option. It just might have saved my life.

~Bev F.
Parkville Branch