Adding 3D Tomography to Mammography Aids in Cancer Detection, Reduces False-Positives

Results of a new, large-scale study have revealed that adding 3D tomography to conventional 2D mammography increases cancer detection by as much as 40%, while lowering false-positive results by 15%. The study results published in the journal, Radiology, showed that adding 3D tomography increased detection rates for cancer, and reduced the number of false-positives, resulting in more accurate diagnoses. According to the researchers, the use of mammography plus tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening "resulted in a significantly higher cancer detection rate and enabled the detection of more invasive cancers."

3D tomography improves a physician's ability to detect very small tumors which might not show up on a regular mammogram, especially in women with dense breasts.

Another study by Yale University School of Medicine, presented at the Radiological Society of North America's 2012 annual meeting, revealed that adding 3D tomography to mammography for screening purposes decreased recall rates by at least a third, particularly in younger women and those with more dense breast tissue. In fact, women with extremely dense breasts had an over 57% reduction in recalls when 3D tomography was added to conventional mammography.

The end result? For many women, especially younger women or those with dense breasts, adding 3D tomography will result in fewer false-positives and more cancers detected. ZPR now offers 3D tomography at eight of our nine locations. Ask your physician whether adding 3D tomography is appropriate for you.

For related blog topics, read Reducing Risk Factors for Breast Cancer, Resources for Women's Health,
10 Things You Should Know About Mammography and Dense Breast Tissue -- What Does it Mean?

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