New Advances in Mammography Technology (4 pg)

3D Mammography

3D mammography, also known as digital tomosynthesis, is an important advance in early breast cancer detection. This technology takes multiple images of the entire breast, allowing radiologists to examine very thin layers of tissue—each about 3/64 of an inch deep—almost like turning the pages of a book. A recent study found that 3D mammography, used along with digital mammography, increased detection rates by more than 40 percent for invasive breast cancers and reduced the number of call backs—cases where women had to return for more testing because of a suspicious finding—by 15 percent.

Digital Mammography

Digital mammography produces high-quality images that are stored on a computer. The images can be manipulated to produce greater clarity and visibility to help make a more precise and accurate diagnosis. A recent study found that digital mammography was superior to a conventional mammogram for women under the age of 50, women with dense breast tissue, and women who have not gone through menopause or have been in menopause for less than a year. In addition, a digital mammography exam is usually more comfortable for the patient and uses less radiation than traditional mammography.

Source: webMD, American Cancer Society