Three Dimensional View of the Breast Offers More Detailed, More Accurate Results

(Washington, D.C) Patients who come to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital for their doctor recommended mammograms are now receiving the latest mammography technology; 3D or three- dimensional mammography also known as breast tomosynthesis.

Like traditional mammography, 3D mammography uses X-rays to produce images of breast tissue in order to detect lumps, tumors or other abnormalities. 3D mammography is capable of producing more detailed images of breast tissue.

“While there are no large multi-center trials yet on tomosynthesis, early studies suggest that it is superior to standard digital mammography with both increased sensitivity and specificity,” said Amy Campbell, MD, director of Breast Imaging at MedStar Georgetown.  “At MedStar Georgetown we are doing this without increasing the radiation dose to the patient.”

Traditional mammography produces just two images of each breast, a side-to-side view and a top-to-bottom view. 3D mammography produces many X-ray images of the breast from multiple angles to create a digital three-dimensional rendering of internal breast tissue. This allows radiologists to view the breast in 1-millimeter ‘slices’ rather than just the full thickness, improving the ability to detect abnormalities while reducing false alarms due to overlapping tissue.

3D mammography can be used for routine screening mammography and may be particularly effective for women with dense breast tissue or for those at high risk for developing breast cancer.

Marianne Worley

Director of Media Relations
Office: 703-558-1287
Pager: 202-405-2824
[email protected]

Learn more:

JAMA 2014 study: Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis in Combination With Digital Mammography