A recent study about 3D mammography published in The Journal of the American Medical Association has garnered significant attention from the national press for reporting that the exam may detect more breast cancers in women. The study, funded by Hologic (the manufacturer of the 3D imaging machine) and the National Cancer Institute, reported improved cancer detection as a result of the newer test (called “tomosynthesis”), finding cancer in 5.4 of every 1,000 scans compared to 4.2 with digital mammography alone. Some experts are even predicting that this test will some day replace mammograms as the standard of care.
The
New York Times, The WashingtonPost, The
Wall Street Journal, USA
Today, Time,
Bloomberg,
CNN,
and Reuters were just a few of the publications and networks that reported favorably about
the new study.
Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography) is nearly identical to the routine
mammogram most closely associated with testing for breast cancer, except that
with the new test, the machine moves over the breast. The result is a 3D
image that gives doctors better visibility through overlapping breast tissue,
allowing for a more comprehensive view that can increase the appearance of
small tumors previously difficult to detect in dense breast tissue. The 3D
mammography exam can thus improve cancer detection and reduce false-positive
and false-negative findings. Fewer women are being called back for additional
imaging or for biopsies.
During tomosynthesis, your breast will be under the
identical compression of a mammogram. While the X-ray tube makes an 8 second
arc over your breasts, 15 low-dose images are obtained at incremental angles.
These images are computer processed to make hundreds of thin 1 mm slices, which
are viewed in 3D. This eliminates overlapping shadows and uncovers hidden
lesions.
Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology is the leading breast imaging facility on Long Island with over 80,000 3D studies
performed. All mammography units are 3D and offered in 11 of our locations.
