3D Mammography

For women at average risk, the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend that women start annual mammograms at age 40. The American Cancer Society, US Preventive Services Task Force, American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging agree that this recommendation saves the most lives. Your doctor may recommend screening at an earlier age, depending on your family history or other risk factors.

BJC HealthCare’s compassionate teams of specialists provide comprehensive breast care services. Mammograms and other imaging test results are read by experienced, board-certified radiologists from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine, and our multidisciplinary women’s health team supports their efforts with end-to-end care.

Screening Mammography

A mammogram is the best preventive tool in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is vital to ensuring cancer is caught at its most treatable, curable stages. Mammograms are conducted in comfortable, private mammography suites. In many cases, we can provide same-day or next-day appointments. With our digital mammography technology, experienced physicians can review images less than a minute after the actual scan. They can also easily adjust the contrast of normal and abnormal breast tissue, and then magnify for close inspection. Images are then stored to enable comparison of screens over time.

3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)

3D mammography technology (also known as Tomosynthesis) offers the highest resolution breast scans available. Compared to traditional mammography machines that produce one flat picture, 3D mammography produces layers upon layers of high-resolution images of breast tissue. This allows the radiologist to scroll through your digital mammogram page by page, layer by layer, to look for suspicious masses — allowing for earlier detection should cancer be present. Catching cancer in its earliest stages greatly increases the patient's opportunity for survival. If your 3D image reveals a mass, a BJC physician radiologist that specializes in reading breast imaging can expedite your connection to care. Any necessary treatments, surgeries and support services you need are offered by BJC HealthCare, for your convenience and comfort.

Diagnostic Mammography and Ultrasound

Diagnostic mammography takes a closer look at particular areas of the breast after a doctor has identified a concern from a screening mammogram. A board-certified radiologist then performs an ultrasound after the diagnostic mammogram to clearly pinpoint the area. You must have a written order from your physician for both the diagnostic exam and the ultrasound exam. Both of these procedures allow for an immediate diagnosis.