3D Breast Tomosynthesis

According to new statistics released in the Fall of 2013, 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. That statistic is scary for many women because that is just under 12%. With breast cancer seemingly on the rise, the importance of routine self breast exams and mammograms is huge. There is a new type of mammogram that is helping doctors detect breast cancer earlier and is promoting better treatment of breast cancer because it can be treated earlier and more effectively when detected in its first stages.

3D tomosynthesis is a special kind of mammogram that produces a 3 diminutional image of the breast. These 3D mammograms take several pictures of the breast from different angles and these images are then put together to form a complete 3D image. Tomosynthesis mammograms are done by using several low-dose X-rays. The breast is positioned and compressed in the same way as done in a typical mammogram, but the X-ray tubes move in a circular arc around the breast to gain its images. The amount of radiation that is used to gain a tomosynthesis image is similar to that of a regular mammogram.

3D Tomosynthesis is available at many outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. Many patients are referred to these centers, and prefer going to a diagnostic center, over a hospital because of the efficiency and convenience they offer. Tomosynthesis mammograms are generally completed within 30 minutes, and patients are able to continue on with their day. The regular physician (or referring physician) will be the one to contact the patient with results. If you are in need of a mammogram, ask about being referred to a diagnostic imaging center that offers 3D Tomosynthesis for the lastest technological advances in breast imaging.

Posted on behalf of Diagnostic Radiology

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