Digital Mammogram (Tomosynthesis (3D) Digital Mammography)

Tomosynthesis (3D) Digital Mammography (Mammogram)

Tomosynthesis, or 3D Digital Mammography (Mammogram), is an innovative mammography technology capable of producing both 2D and 3D images of the breasts. This advanced technology enhances the accuracy of breast cancer screening and reduces the need to undergo additional breast diagnostic studies for suspicious lesions.

During the exam, an X-ray arm gently sweeps in a slight arc over the breast and captures low-dose X-ray images from multiple angles. Reconstruction of the digital data by computer generates synthetic 2D and 3D images in slices 1 millimeter thick. The high-resolution pictures enable radiologists to detect abnormalities or breast cancer lesions more accurately, reducing false positive and negative rates.

Benefits of Tomosynthesis or 3D Digital Mammography

3D Digital Mammography can provide high-resolution screening with higher accuracy. Its distinctive feature lies in the X-ray arm moving over the breast to acquire images at different angles, eliminating the shortcomings of conventional 2D mammography, and displaying images of overlapping breast tissues on flat images. 3D Digital Mammography can increase the detection of breast cancer by around 25% and decrease the number of false positives by 15%.

With the 3D Mammography system, breast compression is still vital for several reasons:

• Lower radiation dose: Compression can help generate high-resolution images at lower radiation doses.
• Spread out glandular tissue: Compression helps separate glandular tissue, making it easier to identify abnormalities or lesions.
• Reduce superimposition of tissue: Superimposition of breast tissue can obscure potential abnormalities. Compression helps to minimize overlapping tissue, allowing for better resolution and enhanced accuracy.
• Improve contrast of breast tissue: Compression increases the contrast between different types of tissues, making it easier to detect subtle abnormalities.
• Decrease scatter radiation: Compression reduces the spread of scattered radiation within the breast, leading to sharper images.

Image by: https://www.hologic.com

The procedure of Tomosynthesis or 3D Digital Mammography

1. You will change into a hospital gown.  
2. You will stand in front of the 3D digital mammography machine with one of your breasts on the platform. The technician will ensure an unobstructed view of your breast.
3. Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a transparent plastic plate for a brief period. You may find it uncomfortable or even slightly painful. Notify the technician if it causes too much discomfort.
4. The X-ray arm will move smoothly over your breast to capture images from multiple angles. You are required to stay still to prevent the blurring of images. It may be necessary to hold your breath for a few seconds.
5. After acquiring the first set of images and releasing pressure on your breast, the machine changes position to obtain side-view images with the breast compressed on the platform. Subsequently, the procedure is repeated for the other breast as well.

After the procedure

A dedicated computer workstation creates 2D and 3D images from digital data. A radiologist will analyze the reconstructed picture in detail and check for any abnormalities or indications of breast cancer. In some cases, additional tests such as an ultrasound, an MRI, or a biopsy may be necessary.