Updates

BJC and Saint Luke’s Officially Combine as BJC Health System

Why choose us for 3D mammography?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) is available in BJC Healthcare locations throughout eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. You’ll find friendly, highly skilled teams in every location who help you feel truly cared for. 

When you choose BJC for 3D mammography, you benefit from: 

  • Expertise: Internationally recognized breast health experts guide our 3D mammography services. Technologists who perform your screening maintain advanced certification and completed rigorous training in breast anatomy and imaging techniques. Even if you have implants or dense breasts, you can feel confident we will conduct a thorough evaluation. 
  • National recognition: We maintain prestigious mammogram accreditation from the American College of Radiology® (ACR). This recognition for breast imaging excellence means we use research-based methods that lead to safe breast cancer screenings. 
  • Efficiency: We use digital mammography technology that gives breast radiologists access to your scans within seconds. They can adjust the contrast or magnify specific sections for close inspection. We store images in our secure electronic medical record. It enables us to check against previous scans for gradual changes in breast tissue. 
  • Timely care: If there is a suspicious growth, we expedite access to additional testing. We can often accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. BJC offers all the advanced testing you may need, including ACR-accredited breast MRI and ultrasound services. 
Convenient scheduling and connected care

BJC is a connected network of specialists offering advanced capabilities and a seamless patient experience. After receiving a physician referral, call (314) 362-9355 or (800) 392-0936 to schedule an appointment, and we’ll take care of the details.

Schedule an appointment.
About 3D Mammography

Mammography is a special X-ray exam for detecting suspicious breast growths, such as lumps, cysts and nodules. Having these growths doesn’t always mean a cancer diagnosis.

Our experts use 3D mammography technology for all breast cancer screenings. It produces multiple layers of high-resolution breast imaging. These enhanced views help us detect growths that might not be visible with traditional 2D techniques.

Tomosynthesis also offers superior accuracy to traditional imaging techniques. You are less likely to need additional testing for irregularities in breast tissue. The ability to view scans layer by layer makes it possible to rule out cancer with confidence.

Is mammography right for me? 

Experts recommend that women start undergoing annual mammograms when they turn 40. You may wish to start earlier if you have one or more risk factors.

These include: 

  • Family history of breast cancer

  • Gene mutations that run in families and raise the risk of breast cancer

  • Dense breast tissue

If I need a mammography scan, what can I expect? 

During a 3D mammogram, you stand in front of an X-ray machine with a movable platform and plate. The technologist adjusts the platform so it is just under your breast, and the plate comes down to compress your breast. This pressure is necessary to smooth out breast tissue for detailed imaging. It may feel uncomfortable, but the sensation only lasts a few seconds.

When you’re in position, we:

  1. Ask you to hold your breath before starting the scan

  2. Direct focused X-ray beams at multiple angles to capture the 3D scan

  3. Release the plate from your breast immediately after the scan is complete

  4. Repeat the process with the other breast

Here is additional information to help you prepare:

  • Clothing: Wear a top that is easy to remove. We will provide a gown or robe for you to wear and a private area to change into it. 
  • Deodorant: Please do not wear deodorant on the day of your mammogram. It may contain substances that interfere with the imaging process. 
  • Jewelry: You may wear jewelry during a mammogram except for pendants that hang down your chest. 
  • Personal belongings: Purses and other belongings are not allowed in the imaging room. 
  • Billing: You will receive two bills. One is from our facility. The other is for the radiologist who reads the results. Check with your insurance for specific billing charges to expect.
Mammography News & Resources
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