3D Breast Imaging

1) 3D mammograms are also called tomosynthesis and they are superior to 2D (regular) mammograms. This type of imaging is a special kind of mammogram that produces a 3D image of the breast. The image is obtained by using several low dose x-rays taken at different angles. The breast is compressed similar to the way it is for a mammogram except the x-ray tube moves in a circular arc around the breast; the imaging is completed in less than 10 seconds.
The reasons tomosynthesis is superior to 2D mammograms are:
Less breast compression (less discomfort)
Shorter length of time for test to be completed (10 seconds vs. several minutes)
More pictures are obtained in multiple different angles of the breast (more accurate)
A 3D image makes it easier to find an abnormality than traditional mammogram.

2) There are some discrepancies in the difference in amount of radiation exposure between standard mammogram versus 3D mammogram.
According to the American College of Radiology there is about twice the amount of radiation in a 3D mammogram but “it improved the accuracy with which radiologists detected cancers, decreasing the number of women recalled for a diagnostic workup.”

A study published in Radiographics, peer-reviewed journal, lists the radiation dose of tomosynthesis at 145 mrad.

Just an fyi, the National Cancer Institute lists an average two-view mammogram as delivering 200-400mrad.

Everything I read and studied listed the doses for 3D mammogram as being under 300mrad (see resources below).

Thanks,
Heather

Resources:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/breast/healthprofessional/page6" target=_blank>http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/breast/healthprofessional/page6

http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/NewsPublications/FeaturedCategories/CurrentACRNews/FDA-approves-first-3-d-mammography-system.aspx" target=_blank>http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/NewsPublications/FeaturedCategories/CurrentACRNews/FDA-approves-first-3-d-mammography-system.aspx

http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/27/suppl_1/S231.full#sec-2" target=_blank>http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/27/suppl_1/S231.full#sec-2

http://www.acrin.org/PATIENTS/ABOUTIMAGINGEXAMSANDAGENTS/ABOUTMAMMOGRAPHYANDTOMOSYNTHESIS.aspx" target=_blank>http://www.acrin.org/PATIENTS/ABOUTIMAGINGEXAMSANDAGENTS/ABOUTMAMMOGRAPHYANDTOMOSYNTHESIS.aspx 1) 3D mammograms are also called tomosynthesis and they are superior to 2D (regular) mammograms. This type of imaging is a special kind of mammogram that produces a 3D image of the breast. The image is obtained by using several low dose x-rays taken at different angles. The breast is compressed similar to the way it is for a mammogram except the x-ray tube moves in a circular arc around the breast; the imaging is completed in less than 10 seconds.
The reasons tomosynthesis is superior to 2D mammograms are:
Less breast compression (less discomfort)
Shorter length of time for test to be completed (10 seconds vs. several minutes)
More pictures are obtained in multiple different angles of the breast (more accurate)
A 3D image makes it easier to find an abnormality than traditional mammogram.

2) There are some discrepancies in the difference in amount of radiation exposure between standard mammogram versus 3D mammogram.
According to the American College of Radiology there is about twice the amount of radiation in a 3D mammogram but “it improved the accuracy with which radiologists detected cancers, decreasing the number of women recalled for a diagnostic workup.”

A study published in Radiographics, peer-reviewed journal, lists the radiation dose of tomosynthesis at 145 mrad.

Just an fyi, the National Cancer Institute lists an average two-view mammogram as delivering 200-400mrad.

Everything I read and studied listed the doses for 3D mammogram as being under 300mrad (see resources below).

Thanks,
Heather

Resources:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/breast/healthprofessional/page6" target=_blank>http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/breast/healthprofessional/page6

http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/NewsPublications/FeaturedCategories/CurrentACRNews/FDA-approves-first-3-d-mammography-system.aspx" target=_blank>http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/NewsPublications/FeaturedCategories/CurrentACRNews/FDA-approves-first-3-d-mammography-system.aspx

http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/27/suppl_1/S231.full#sec-2" target=_blank>http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/27/suppl_1/S231.full#sec-2

http://www.acrin.org/PATIENTS/ABOUTIMAGINGEXAMSANDAGENTS/ABOUTMAMMOGRAPHYANDTOMOSYNTHESIS.aspx" target=_blank>http://www.acrin.org/PATIENTS/ABOUTIMAGINGEXAMSANDAGENTS/ABOUTMAMMOGRAPHYANDTOMOSYNTHESIS.aspx

Digital tomosynthesis is very similar to a CT scan. Essentially, a machine takes many X-ray 'slices' of the breast that can then be pieced back together to create a virtual 3D image of the breast. To learn more, you can watch an animation about digital tommosynthesis at http://www.cancerquest.org/detection-digital-tomosynthesis.html . Digital tomosynthesis is very similar to a CT scan. Essentially, a machine takes many X-ray 'slices' of the breast that can then be pieced back together to create a virtual 3D image of the breast. To learn more, you can watch an animation about digital tommosynthesis at http://www.cancerquest.org/detection-digital-tomosynthesis.html .

Despite recent claims, there is no 3D imaging yet available. Tomosynthesis (aka “tomo”) is about "2.5D" looking at the breast in a 270 degree arc but not 360 degrees. Tomo requires about 8 films and does require compression. It does give a better look at the markedly dense breast. It should not become the "routine screening" for all women. At UMass Memorial, we have been awarded a federal grant along with four other centers in the United States to build and pilot CT scanning for the breast. Our initial work with a home built unit and mastectomy specimens was highly successful leading to the grant award. CT scanning is truly 3D with 360 degree views without compression, faster times and more views. Radiation exposure should be equivalent to Tomo. We have raised over $500,000 to build and install our breast CT unit within the year. Again as with tomo, breast CT is not at this time meant for routine screening. Despite recent claims, there is no 3D imaging yet available. Tomosynthesis (aka “tomo”) is about "2.5D" looking at the breast in a 270 degree arc but not 360 degrees. Tomo requires about 8 films and does require compression. It does give a better look at the markedly dense breast. It should not become the "routine screening" for all women. At UMass Memorial, we have been awarded a federal grant along with four other centers in the United States to build and pilot CT scanning for the breast. Our initial work with a home built unit and mastectomy specimens was highly successful leading to the grant award. CT scanning is truly 3D with 360 degree views without compression, faster times and more views. Radiation exposure should be equivalent to Tomo. We have raised over $500,000 to build and install our breast CT unit within the year. Again as with tomo, breast CT is not at this time meant for routine screening.