Medicine and medical technologies are always advancing. This allows our doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to treat patients quickly and effectively. For diagnostic procedures, like 3D mammograms, this means allowing experts to get a closer look inside our bodies. At National Polytechnic College, we prepare students for life in this challenging yet fulfilling field. Here, we examine what 3D mammograms are and how mammography technologists use them to change lives.
What Is a 3D Mammogram?
Mammograms have been a helpful tool for doctors for years and have been widely used since the 1960s. These imaging tests began as a way to find correlations between the macro and microscopic anatomy of diseases within breast tissue. Today’s technology has resulted in advancements like 3D mammograms, which not only help medical professionals make more accurate diagnoses but also assist patients, as they’re able to see so much more than the tests of years past.
3D mammograms are, as the name suggests, three-dimensional screening tests. This form of imaging is also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and was first introduced in the late 1990s. Standard mammograms are only able to show images in two dimensions, which is still helpful; however, three-dimensional images provide depth and clarity, making it easier to understand the structures on screen. 3D mammograms combine several X-rays from different angles around the breast into a single image. Because of their effectiveness, they are used in most healthcare settings throughout the country.
What Are 3D Mammograms Used for?
Because 3D mammograms offer such a detailed image of the area, they are helpful for various medical uses. One of the most common uses is to screen for breast cancer. These tests are especially helpful for patients who have dense breast tissue, allowing medical experts to get a look at areas that would otherwise require invasive procedures. They can also be used on those who are showing no symptoms of the disease as a way to catch it early on.
When used in conjunction with 2D imaging, 3D mammograms offer even more thorough breast cancer screening. This process allows doctors and other medical personnel to see through fatty tissue within the breast, allowing them to better detect cancer and prevent patients from needing to return for follow-up imaging. It can also help reduce the risk of a false-positive result.
3D mammograms are used for more than just identifying breast cancer, however. They can be used as a basic screening tool, which is recommended for all women starting at age 40. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool if a patient is dealing with a lump or mass, pain in the breast area, or discharge from the nipple. Not only will this assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing the problem, but it can also help rule out a bigger issue like breast cancer.
What Is Mammography?
Mammography is a medical imaging technique that helps radiologic technologists (namely mammography technologists) produce standard and 3D mammograms. Patients will be placed in front of a piece of equipment featuring two plates. These plates are used to compress the breast while the X-rays are taken.
Mammography technologists are certified professionals who are tasked with performing these screenings on patients. In this position, you will be asked to:
- Operate imaging equipment and make necessary adjustments
- Prep and position patients for mammograms
- Update and review medical histories
- Answer procedure-related questions
- Analyze images to ensure the quality is acceptable
- Detect abnormalities in images
- Communicate with radiologists and other professionals to ensure accuracy
- Minimize exposure to radiation
- Keep equipment well-maintained and report malfunctions
- Follow safety and infection control protocols
Our Mammography Technologist School
At National Polytechnic College, we offer well-designed programs, including our Mammography Technologist program that meets the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) requirements, helping graduates achieve ARRT certification. To enroll in this program and become a mammographer, a current and active radiography (CRT) license is required.
The program will help students learn everything they’ll need to feel confident in this career path. It’s offered in a blended format, meaning students will enjoy both in-class lessons and remote lectures. They will also get to work in our in-class lab to help get experience with the equipment, tools, and technologies that they will be required to use daily. Because the program only takes about six months to complete, students will be ready to use their newly developed skills to help patients in no time.
Enroll at National Polytechnic College Today
Few careers offer a rewarding feeling like that of a mammography technologist. At National Polytechnic College in Lakewood, California, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive program that gives students the confidence to perform 3D mammograms and other procedures. We even offer a career services department to help you prepare for the working world, as well as financial aid for those who qualify. Contact us today if you have any questions or are ready to get started.