Breast Tomosynthesis, 3D Mammography

What is it?

Performed at the same time as normal mammography, tomosynthesis (3D mammography) consists of volume reconstruction of slices of the breast, like a very thin (1 mm) slice scanner, with the aim of preventing overlapping of tissue.

How does it work?

It is similar to a breast CT. Instead of acquiring four X-ray images, which are the usual projections obtained in a mammogram, there are a determined set of slices, the number of which is proportional to the thickness of the compressed breast. These enable the discovery of possible smaller lesions, difficult to detect in conventional mammography, but which are clearly visible in the reconstructed volume of the breast, with no overlapping of the different structures.

Externally, the equipment which acquires tomosynthesis images is similar to mammography, although with one significant difference, it has a tube head which is not static (unlike traditional mammography) but which rotates around the breast, taking images whilst moving around in an arc.

Tomosynthesis versus conventional mammography

• Tomosynthesis increases:
   
  – Sensitivity (detecting up to 43% more cancers at an early stage).
  – Specificity (it is easier for the radiologist to determine whether the pathology seen is breast cancer).

 

• Less discomfort, many women find it less uncomfortable than traditional mammography. Less time is required to compress the breast, which makes it more comfortable for the patient.

 

• Better manipulation of the breast images, our experts can detect breast cancer more accurately.

 

• Better contrast. Our radiologists can modify the contrast and the brightness so that the smallest and most subtle variation in the breast can be seen more easily. This makes detection of neoplasia possible with greater accuracy.

 

• Improved image quality. This type of mammography can be used in women between the age of 40 and 50, and in women approaching the menopause, who have denser breast tissue than older or post-menopausal women.

 

• It reduces the number of biopsies and further investigations for the patient.

 

• It makes it possible to select the appropriate dose of radiation in each case.