Digital mammography with tomosynthesis (3D)
Digital Mammography With Tomosynthesis (3D)
We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.
Digital mammography with tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is an advanced imaging technique used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. It combines traditional digital mammography with tomosynthesis, which involves taking multiple low-dose X-ray images from different angles around the breast.
How Digital Mammography With Tomosynthesis Works
During a digital mammography with tomosynthesis exam, the breast is positioned and compressed, similar to a standard mammogram. The imaging system then rotates around the breast, capturing multiple X-ray images from different angles. These images are then reconstructed into a 3D representation of the breast tissue, allowing radiologists to examine the breast in thin slices, layer by layer.
This 3D imaging technique provides several advantages over traditional 2D mammography, including:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Visualization | The 3D images allow for better visualization of breast tissue, reducing the overlapping of structures that can obscure potential abnormalities. |
| Earlier Detection | The enhanced imaging capabilities of tomosynthesis can help detect breast cancers at an earlier stage, when they are smaller and more treatable. |
| Fewer Recall Rates | By providing clearer images, tomosynthesis can reduce the need for additional diagnostic imaging, decreasing patient anxiety and healthcare costs. |
Digital mammography with tomosynthesis is particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue, as it can better differentiate between normal and abnormal structures within the dense tissue.
Role of Digital Mammography With Tomosynthesis (3D)
Digital mammography with tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is an advanced imaging technique used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. It provides detailed three-dimensional images of the breast, allowing radiologists to visualize breast tissue with greater clarity and accuracy compared to traditional 2D mammography.
Indications for Digital Mammography With Tomosynthesis (3D)
Digital mammography with tomosynthesis is recommended for the following situations:
- Routine breast cancer screening: This technique is increasingly being used for routine breast cancer screening in women, particularly those with dense breast tissue, which can make it difficult to detect abnormalities on standard 2D mammograms.
- Evaluation of suspicious areas: If an abnormality or area of concern is detected on a standard mammogram, tomosynthesis can provide additional detailed images to help characterize the finding and determine if further evaluation or biopsy is needed.
- Monitoring high-risk individuals: Women with a personal or family history of breast cancer, or other risk factors for breast cancer, may benefit from more frequent screening with tomosynthesis for early detection.
- Pre-surgical evaluation: Tomosynthesis can be used to evaluate the extent and location of breast lesions before surgical procedures, aiding in treatment planning.
Preparation for the Digital Mammography With Tomosynthesis (3D) Procedure
Digital mammography with tomosynthesis (3D) is a relatively straightforward procedure that typically does not require extensive preparation. However, there are a few recommendations to consider:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of the examination, as you may need to remove clothing from the waist up.
- Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, or lotions on the day of the examination, as these products can interfere with the quality of the images.
- Inform the technologist if you have breast implants or if you have had recent breast surgery or radiation therapy, as this information can help in proper positioning and image interpretation.
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform the technologist before the examination, as special precautions may be necessary to minimize radiation exposure.
The Digital Mammography With Tomosynthesis (3D) Procedure
During the procedure, you will be asked to stand in front of the mammography machine, and a technologist will position your breast on a flat surface that is compressed with a plastic paddle. This compression is necessary to ensure that the breast tissue is evenly spread out, which helps provide clear images. Multiple images will be taken from different angles, and the process is typically completed within 15-20 minutes.
Sources:
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-tests/m/mammogram/tomosynthesis-3d-mammography.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/15939-digital-breast-tomosynthesis-and-breast-cancer-screening
https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/tomosynthesis
IMPORTANT!
It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any symptoms or a worsening of a condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic tests. Only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. To obtain the most accurate and consistent assessment of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.
