Phelps Health Offers 3D Mammography for Breast Imaging
3D digital breast tomosynthesis, a state-of-the-art breast imaging technology, is available at the Phelps Health Comprehensive Breast Center. This technology offers the best chance for early detection and an accurate diagnosis.
What is 3D digital breast tomosynthesis?
Digital breast tomosynthesis is emerging as the new gold standard in mammography. Also known as 3D mammography, this breast imaging technology provides radiologists with multiple, thin-section images through the breast, increasing breast cancer detection rates while reducing the rate of false-positive results. 3D digital breast tomosynthesis is a valuable tool that allows radiologists to better visualize breast tissue, particularly in the case of dense breasts.
How does 3D digital breast tomosynthesis work?
3D digital breast tomosynthesis takes 25 images of a patient's breast during an exam. Tomography images are thin-sectioned slices of the breast, which allow small lesions to be better evaluated than on a traditional 2D image. These 3D images are read in conjunction with the 2D image. This allows for diagnosis of small breast lesions and rules out lesions that appear to be suspicious on 2D images.
What are the benefits of 3D breast mammography?
There are numerous benefits to 3D breast mammography, including fewer call backs for additional screening and testing; simple tumor detection that shows the inner breast structure more clearly; better tumor detection because breast layers are viewed individually; and improved imaging for dense breast tissue. The 3D mammogram increases diagnostic ability, which means fewer diagnostic biopsy procedures and fewer anxiety-inducing call backs.