Cancer Breast Cancer Diagnosis What Is a 3D Mammogram? What to Expect When Undergoing This Test By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 19, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Douglas A. Nelson, MD Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD LinkedIn Douglas A. Nelson, MD, is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist who previously served for 13 years as a physician in the US Air Force. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Purpose Risks Before the Test During a the Test After the Test Interpreting Results A 3D mammogram is a low-dose X-ray used to take images of the inside of the breast. Like a standard mammogram, it can be used to screen for breast cancer or identify the cause of other breast symptoms. From the perspective of the person being screened, the procedures feel relatively similar. One difference, however, is that more images are taken with the 3D mammogram than the standard procedure. It takes multiple, thin X-rays from different angles so that when the image slices are viewed together, a three-dimensional (3D) image is created. This more detailed view may make it less likely that someone would need to return for additional testing should anything abnormal be identified in an image. The tradeoffs of getting a 3D mammogram include a higher cost (there might be a higher co-pay or it may not be covered by insurance), increased radiation exposure (if not using newer low-dose 3D mammography), and a longer time to receive results. Because of these, some experts question the benefits of 3D mammograms over regular mammography. 3D mammography is also called digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). DBT may be performed alone or in combination with other types of mammography. iStock / Getty Images Purpose of 3D Mammograms The purpose of 3D mammograms is to screen for breast cancer. Breast cancer screening guidelines are somewhat controversial, and different professional organizations recommend different frequencies and ages for how early screening should start. In general, screening guidelines are designed to balance the benefits of screening with the risks. Benefits of screening include earlier detection of cancers, which may make them easier to treat. Risks include exposure to radiation and overtreatment. Currently, no screening guidelines explicitly recommend the use of 3D mammography over standard, 2D mammography. Also, 3D mammography is not available in all areas, and it may be a somewhat more expensive procedure. Because it takes images from multiple angles, there is a possibility that a 3D mammogram may reduce the need for additional imaging. And it may make it easier to identify certain types of breast changes, especially in women with dense breasts. This may be particularly true in combination with 2D mammography. Some experts say there is a risk of overdiagnosis and treatment as smaller anomalies may be detected that would not have been life-threatening). However, a study published in 2020 found that 3D mammography had significantly fewer false positive results. Patients may be exposed to more radiation than when getting a 2D image if not using newer low-dose 3D imaging. Breast Cancer Mammogram Screening Comparison Chart Women of Average Risk USPSTF American Cancer Society ACOG American College of Physicians Ages 40-49 Screening at this age is an individual choice. Those concerned with benefits more than harms can screen every other year. People should have the choice to start yearly screenings at age 40. People ages 45-49 should be screened yearly. After counseling, having screenings annually or every other year may be offered. Clinicians should discuss benefits and harms. Potential harms outweigh the benefits for most people. Ages 50-74 Recommended every two years Ages 50-54 annually; 55+ every two years or annually Annually or every two years, after counseling Should be offered every two years Ages 75+ Insufficient evidence to balance benefits/harms People should continue as long as in overall good health and have a life expectancy greater than 10 years. The decision to stop should be based on shared decision-making. Discontinue, especially for people with less than 10-year life expectancy Women with Dense Breasts Insufficient evidence for/against additional screening Insufficient evidence for/against annual MRI Routine mammography; comply with state density disclosure laws Insufficient evidence Mammogram recommendations from major organizations (Fall 2020). USPSTF = U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce. ACOG = American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This table does not include information about alternative screening choices, including clinical breast exam. Transgender People and Breast Cancer Screening There is not yet a strong evidence base to determine standards for breast cancer screening in transgender patients. Transmasculine people who have not undergone top surgery and transfeminine people who have experienced breast growth on estrogen are generally advised to screen at the same frequency as cisgender women. Transmasculine people who have undergone top surgery should discuss their residual breast cancer risk with a knowledgeable healthcare provider before making decisions about screening. Risks and Contraindications Several potential risks of mammography have been identified and include: False-positive testsPain or discomfortOverdiagnosis and treatment of cancers that would not have had a health impactRadiation-induced cancer (extremely rare) It is unclear how the risks of 3D mammography compare to those of 2D mammography. Radiation exposure is higher where 3D mammography is combined with 2D mammography. However, the overall risk of radiation-induced cancer is still extremely low. Contraindications There are no absolute contraindications (reasons not to have the screening) for 2D mammography, and contraindications for 3D mammography are similar. That said, in general, people with suspected cancer or symptoms that could be cancer-related should not be screened with mammography alone. They should undergo diagnostic testing, including ultrasound. If you are pregnant you are generally advised to delay screening mammograms until after your pregnancy. However, it is appropriate to use mammography, with dose-reduction techniques, for people with suspected pregnancy-associated breast cancer. People who are lactating should discuss with their healthcare providers the potential advantages of pumping or breastfeeding before screening. If you have breast implants, let your healthcare provider and radiologist know about the implants prior to mammography as the presence of implants can affect technique. Before the Test As stated, there is some disagreement among professionals about when it is appropriate to start mammography and how frequently people should have mammograms. It is important to discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider and engage in shared decision-making to determine the screening frequency that makes the most sense for you. Factors that may affect your decisions about when to start mammography, what type of mammography to have, and how often to be screened include: Family history of breast cancerBreast densityPresence or absence of breast symptomsAvailability of different types of screening If your healthcare provider is recommending a 3D mammogram, you should be certain to discuss any additional costs that may be associated with the procedure when compared to traditional mammography. Not all insurance policies cover 3D mammography. If you are having difficulty deciding between a 3D and a 2D mammogram, it may help to ask what percentage of people are asked to come back for additional imaging. The benefits of 3D mammograms may be higher in centers with a high rate of recall after 2D mammograms. If you have decided to undergo a 3D mammogram you will usually need to schedule it in advance. You may also be offered a 3D mammogram when you go in for a 2D mammogram. Before accepting, be certain to ask about any additional cost and time requirements. Timing In most facilities, you should expect to be able to get in and out within 30 minutes. The actual mammogram usually only takes around 10 minutes. You may spend a bit more time in the waiting room and filling out paperwork. Some imaging centers may allow you to fill out forms in advance, which can save you time on the day of testing. If you menstruate, consider scheduling this test for the week after you have finished your period. That is when your breasts are least likely to be tender. Location 3D mammography may be performed in a hospital or at an outpatient clinic. Not all mammography locations offer 3D imaging. Therefore, if you are interested in 3D mammography, check with the center before booking. What to Wear You will generally be asked to undress from the waist up and remove all metal on your upper body. Therefore, it can be helpful to wear a two-piece outfit and skip any jewelry. You will be given a gown to put on and should wear it with the opening in the front. You should avoid wearing deodorant, lotion, perfume, and powder or you will be asked to wipe it off before the test. Food and Drink There are no food or drink restrictions before a mammogram. Cost and Health Insurance Although insurance companies routinely cover 2D mammography, they may or may not cover 3D mammography. If you are considering a 3D mammogram, check with your insurance company and the screening center about any additional cost to you. Some insurers require referrals and prior authorization for mammography. Others do not. What to Bring You should bring your health insurance card with you to the testing center. Other than that, you do not need to bring anything special. You will be able to drive yourself home or take other modes of transportation without restriction as you will not receive any anesthesia. During the Test When you first arrive for the test, you will likely be asked to fill out paperwork about your health history. You will then be asked to remove all clothing and jewelry above your waist. At this time, you will also be asked to wipe off any deodorant or powder and be given a gown to put on. Throughout the Test You will be asked to stand in front of the mammography machine. The technician will position one of your breasts on a platform and help you position your head, arm, and torso. A plastic plate will then press your breast against the platform. This may be uncomfortable, but if it becomes too painful, tell the technician. Once your breast is in place, the technician will turn on the machine. It will move from side to side in an arc to take multiple pictures of your breast. You may be asked to hold your breath. After the first round of pictures is taken, a second round may be taken from a different angle (i.e., from the top and then the side.) For this, your breast may be repositioned on the plate. Once the first breast has been imaged, the procedure will be repeated with the second breast. The entire process should take around 10 minutes. Post-Test Once the images are complete, the technician will check that they are clear. Then you will be allowed to get dressed. You can usually leave the testing center as soon as the test is complete. After the Test Before leaving the testing center, you may want to ask how long it usually takes to receive results. It may take longer to receive the results of a 3D mammogram than for a 2D mammogram as the radiologist has more images to look through. You may receive your results either from the radiologist or from your healthcare provider. Not all healthcare provider report negative results (those revealing no significant or noticeable abnormality). Some people find that it helps to reduce their anxiety if they ask in advance whether they will hear about mammogram results either way. You may feel some discomfort after a mammogram, but this is usually minor. People with larger breasts may want to consider wearing a bra that does not have underwire after the procedure to reduce any discomfort. Lingering pain is rare and usually mild. If you have soreness, pain, or bruising more than 24 hours after your mammogram, you should discuss those symptoms with a healthcare provider. Interpreting Results Mammogram results usually come back within two weeks. Some centers may be able to get them back substantially faster. However, 3D mammograms may take slightly longer to read than 2D mammograms. It is a good idea to ask your technician how long it usually takes for results to come back from their center. Mammogram results may contain descriptions of breast density as well as both benign (unproblematic) and other types of breast changes. Although some states require healthcare providers to let patients know that they have dense breasts, having dense breasts is not in and of itself a problem. Breast density can make reading a mammogram more difficult, however, and may affect overall cancer risk. Your results will describe any findings and also include a BI-RADS number. This number indicates the likelihood that your mammogram findings are cancerous. Higher numbers indicate a greater suspicion of breast cancer and may indicate a need for shorter follow-up. For example, a 3 means that your breasts are probably healthy, but you should return for a follow-up in six months. Follow-Up You may need to undergo follow-up imaging if there are suspicious findings or a problem with the image. Follow-up imaging is less likely to be needed after 3D than 2D mammography. If a suspicious area is seen on your mammogram, you may also be referred for a biopsy. A biopsy removes a sample of breast tissue so that it can be tested for cancer. Ultimately, follow-up will vary substantially depending on your results. If any abnormalities are found, it is important to discuss next steps with your healthcare provider. A Word From Verywell There is not yet sufficient evidence to conclusively show that 3D mammograms are that much better than 2D mammograms to be worth the additional cost. Although the technology is promising, it is still reasonable to decide not to undergo a 3D test—particularly if any associated fees would present a hardship. That said, people who are particularly concerned about needing to return for additional images may value the reduced recall rates for a 3D test and may be pleased to know that more and more insurance companies are covering 3D exams. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get honest information, the latest research, and support for you or a loved one with breast cancer right to your inbox. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 8 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lenzer J. 3D mammography is on the upswing in the US, as experts argue about its value. BMJ. 2019:l4506. doi:10.1136/bmj.l4506 Alabousi M, Wadera A, Kashif Al-Ghita M, et al. Performance of digital breast tomosynthesis, synthetic mammography and digital mammography in breast cancer screening: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2020;djaa205. doi:10.1093/jnci/djaa205 Lowry KP, Trentham-Dietz A, Schechter CB, Alagoz O, Barlow WE, Burnside ES, Conant EF, Hampton JM, Huang H, Kerlikowske K, Lee SJ, Miglioretti DL, Sprague BL, Tosteson ANA, Yaffe MJ, Stout NK. Long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of breast cancer screening with digital breast tomosynthesis in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2020 Jun 1;112(6):582-589. doi:10.1093/jnci/djz184 Parikh U, Mausner E, Chhor CM, Gao Y, Karrington I, Heller SL. Breast imaging in transgender patients: What the radiologist should know. Radiographics. 2020;40(1):13-27. doi:10.1148/rg.2020190044 Nelson HD, Pappas M, Cantor A, Griffin J, Daeges M, Humphrey L. Harms of breast cancer screening: Systematic review to update the 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation [published correction appears in Ann Intern Med. 2018 Nov 20;169(10):740]. Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(4):256-267. doi:10.7326/M15-0970 Reeves RA, Kaufman T. Mammography. StatPearls. Jakubietz MG, Janis JE, Jakubietz RG, Rohrich RJ. Breast augmentation: Cancer concerns and mammography - a literature review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004;113(7):117e-22e. doi:10.1097/01.PRS.0000122408.60459.92 Marinovich ML, Hunter KE, Macaskill P, Houssami N. Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis or mammography: A meta-analysis of cancer detection and recall. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2018;110(9):942-949. doi:10.1093/jnci/djy121 Additional Reading Hodgson R, Heywang-Köbrunner SH, Harvey SC, et al. Systematic review of 3D mammography for breast cancer screening. Breast. 2016;27:52-61. doi:10.1016/j.breast.2016.01.002 By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies