3D Mammogram Scans Explained

Breast cancer screening should be a crucial part of every women’s health. Mammograms are the most common method for early detection. There is one breast cancer scanning technique that has made getting a mammogram, more accurate, less invasive and quicker for both patients and doctors alike. Meet the 3D mammogram (also known as tomosynthesis). This article will take you through 3D mammogram scans to understand their benefits and the improvements they bring to the field of mammography.

3D Mammograms

A 3D mammogram, also known as tomosynthesis, involves taking multiple X-ray images of the breast from different angles. These images are then reconstructed into a three-dimensional picture. This 3D view reduces confusion caused by overlapping tissue since it allows doctors to see the individual slices of breast tissue. A traditional mammogram involves taking two X-rays of each breast. One is taken from above, called the craniocaudal view, the other is taken from the side, called the mediolateral oblique view.

What a 3D Mammogram Scan Shows

A 3D scan provides a more detailed view of the breast tissue, revealing the inner structure in thin layers. It can highlight areas that might otherwise be hidden, offering a clearer picture of any abnormalities.

3D scans are often cited as being able to detect more breast cancers than other scans can, particularly smaller cancers. This is part of the reason 3D mammogram scans have become more popular over the years.

Features of 3D Mammogram Scans

1. Produces a three-dimensional image for a more comprehensive view.
2. More effective in detecting breast cancer in dense breast tissue.
3. May take slightly longer to perform and analyse than traditional mammograms.
4. Often results in fewer call backs for additional imaging.

Who benefits most from a 3D mammogram?

A 3D Mammogram can be more beneficial for women with dense breast tissue, women with a higher risk of breast cancer, or those who have had previous abnormal mammogram results.

3D scans provide a more detailed overview of your breast health and can reduce the need for follow-up imaging. This not only saves you the hassle of returning multiple times for imaging which can be inconvenient, it also allows your doctors access to accurate results in a shorter time frame than if you had to come back for multiple scans.

Is a 3D mammogram Safe?

In short yes, 3D mammography scans do not expose the patient to a significant amount of radiation, with 3D scans sitting comfortably around the 0.4 millisieverts (mSv) mark.

For context the radiation your breast would receive from a 3D scan would be the same as only seven weeks of day to day background radiation. In either case the benefits of having these scans vastly outweighs the risks associated with the low doses of radiation they produce. Although the dose of radiation is higher than traditional mammograms, the overall dose is still relatively low.

Non invasive

In addition to being able to pick up smaller cancers this scan is non-invasive, unlike other mammogram techniques such as a contrast enhanced mammography. Effectivity this makes a 3D mammogram scan not only highly effective in picking up abnormalities in breast tissue, but it also allows the patient the benefit of a non-invasive pain free experience.