3D mammography paves the way for early detection of breast cancer



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Two-dimensional mammography is still the "gold standard" for breast cancer detection, but Memorial Hospital Immanuel Hermann Katy doubts that this is the case in a few years.

"I think 2D will disappear," said Robin Judman, also head of imaging at the MD Anderson Cancer Breast Cancer Center at the Memorial City branch.


In most hospitals in the Houston area, 3D technology called Breast Tomosynethsis, which experts say is already the most advanced early detection technology, has already been adopted.

A two-dimensional mammogram takes two-dimensional images of the breast, one from the top and the other from the side. The tomosynthesis takes 15 successive images at slightly different angles across the breast. The images are computer-assembled to produce clear, three-dimensional images that are highly focused on the entire breast. Medical experts say this helps to improve the accuracy of screening results and to locate the lesion.


"You can actually see inside the breast. It can penetrate the dense breasts better than before, "said Judman.

Cancer detection rates increase by 30 to 40% with 3D mammography, with a 30 to 40% decrease in the number of false positives. In addition, dense breast tissue can look like cancer on a mammogram.

"Tomosynthesis facilitates the distinction between dense tissue and malignant tumors and allows radiologists to take a closer look at isolated areas of the breast," said Dr. Anne C. Kushawa, Associate Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology. MD Anderson Cancer. Center.

3-D technology can also detect cancerous tissue that may not have been discovered during a mammogram or manual examination. Judman said that one of their patients had two cancer areas the size of a rain grain on both breasts. They were spotted by Tomosynthesis.

"She said it saved her life," Judman said.

She said some patients worry about the radiation they would be exposed to during the 3D imaging process. It's not more than a two-dimensional mammogram.

"It's a very low dose. It's like flying a plane from here to New York. You get the same radiation, "Judman said.

Most major hospitals in the region have 3D tomosynthesis equipment, which costs about $ 500,000.


"It might take a while for everyone to get theirs. Eventually, 3D will become the gold standard, "said Judman.

One important development, Judman said, is that insurance companies now cover digital tomosynthesis exams. She said that it took five years for this to happen.

"The women themselves fought for it," Judman said. "It's important for women's care."


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