3D mammography

3D mammography
3-D mammography is the latest technology that uses a large number of projections from multiple angles of each breast to give doctors a clearer picture of what is happening in the breast itself. The breast is positioned in the same manner as in conventional mammography but significantly less pressure is applied. Another name for this search is tomosynthesis.

2D vs 3D mammography
A conventional mammogram creates a two-dimensional image of the breast from two x-ray images of each breast. Studies have shown that 3-D mammograms detect more cancers than traditional 2-D mammograms and also reduce the number of false positives. False-positive is a term used when a mammogram shows an abnormal area that looks like cancer but turns out to be normal. The suspected area usually requires follow-up, additional tests, and additional procedures, including a possible biopsy. There are psychological, physical and economic costs that come with false positives, and with tomosynthesis or 3d mammography, we reduce them significantly.

Who would need a 3-D mammogram and why?
Any woman who goes for regular breast examinations should also consider a 3-D mammogram. Tomosynthesis is particularly useful in women with dense breast tissue because this examination provides a clearer picture of the breast itself than classical mammography.

What are the risks associated with a 3-D mammogram?
3-D mammography uses the same amount of radiation as a traditional mammogram.

How to prepare for breast examination?