Since your last mammogram, your doctor may have replaced traditional 2D images with a 3D technology called breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography. While the new technology does not remove the infamous vise on breast tissue, it does improve the 2D images.
“The picture is clearer and, in most cases, cancer is found much earlier,” says Dr. Anita Johnson, director of breast surgical oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Newnan, GA.
What is the difference?
2D mammograms take two x-rays of your chest: one from top to bottom and the other from side to side. Because it is a single image of the entire breast flattened, normal tissue can sometimes hide abnormalities.
In tomosynthesis, the X-ray tube makes an arc around the chest and creates several images. A computer converts the images into a 3D image of the breast.
“3D shows the breast tissue in very thin” slices “so you can see through the entire breast much more easily,” says Johnson.
In a study of 96,269 women, tomosynthesis found more cancers than traditional mammography, with fewer false positives and recalls. Women between 40 and 49, especially those with dense breasts, saw the biggest difference.
What you should know
3D mammograms are becoming more and more common. If you’re not sure if your doctor uses them, ask.
The Society of Breast Imaging says almost all women should switch. Ask your doctor what he recommends.
Remember, you may have to travel for technology. “Most breast facilities, especially those in metropolitan areas, have 3D mammograms, but some rural areas may not,” says Johnson.
You may also have to pay. Not all health insurance companies cover the additional costs for the more expensive pictures.
Finally, tomosynthesis usually includes 2D images as well. That means more radiation into your chest. If you are concerned about radiation, ask the breast center if the devices are producing “synthetic” 2D images, which will reduce radiation.
In the end, the best mammogram is one that you can get at the recommended intervals and not put off.
4 lessons
“Whether it’s a 2D or 3D image, the goal is to get your mammogram when it’s recommended,” says Johnson. The American Cancer Society recommends the following:
- Talk to your doctor at the age of 40 about your individual risk and when to start screening.
- Get annual mammograms aged 45 to 54 or older.
- Continue with the annual screens or switch to every other year at age 55.
- Schedule regular mammograms as long as you are in good health.
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SWELL:
Anita Johnson, MD, Director, Breast Surgical Oncology, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Newnan, GA.
Radiology Info: “Breast Tomosynthesis.”
JAMA Oncology: “Association of digital breast tomosynthesis with digital mammography with cancer detection and recall rates based on age and breast density.”
Society of Breast Imaging: “Should I Have Tomosynthesis Instead of Mammography?”
American Cancer Society: “American Cancer Society Releases New Breast Cancer Policy.”
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