Breast tomosynthesis actually.
It is a 3D mastography conformed by digital images, approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2011, which is performed after having done a 2D mastography. It consists of making multiple front and profile cuts in each mammary gland and this allows to visualize in better detail the microcalcification, nodules, lactiferous ducts and breast tissue when it is abundant.
Therefore, it helps in the early diagnosis of breast cancer, can be used as a radiological method of prevention and helps reduce mortality from breast cancer and some other pathologies such as tumors.
It is a complementary technique to 2D mastography, but in the future it will replace it.
Advantages of breast tomosynthesis
Tomosynthesis has several advantages:
1.- It assesses the breast tissue better.
2 .- Detects breast lesions with better accuracy.
3 .- Detects more invasive cancers.
4 .- Can detect multiple lesions in the breast.
5 .- Reduces the number of calls to the patient to take more images.
6 .- Allows fewer breast biopsies.
7 .- By having a higher sensitivity, increases the detection in images of the different varieties of breast density, especially in the heterogeneously dense and fibroglandular breast tissue
Conclusión
Breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, has been making a significant impact on the field of breast cancer diagnosis in recent years. This advanced technology is a type of digital mammography that uses X-rays to produce multiple images of the breast from different angles, allowing doctors to get a more accurate and detailed view of the breast tissue.
Compared to traditional 2D mammography, breast tomosynthesis has several advantages. For one, it can help reduce the number of false positives, which occur when a mammogram shows an abnormality that turns out to be benign. This can save patients the stress and anxiety of undergoing unnecessary additional testing, as well as reduce healthcare costs.
Additionally, breast tomosynthesis has been shown to be particularly effective in detecting breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue, which can be difficult to see on a 2D mammogram. In fact, studies have shown that breast tomosynthesis can improve breast cancer detection rates by up to 40% compared to traditional mammography.
Another advantage of breast tomosynthesis is that it allows doctors to more accurately pinpoint the location and size of breast abnormalities, which can help guide biopsies and other diagnostic procedures. This can lead to more targeted and effective treatment options, as well as better outcomes for patients.
Furthermore, breast tomosynthesis is a safe procedure, with radiation doses that fall within the permitted range. Patients can undergo this type of mammogram with confidence, knowing that it is a low-risk procedure that can help detect breast cancer early on, when it is most treatable.
In conclusion, breast tomosynthesis is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer, offering several advantages over traditional mammography. Its ability to improve detection rates, reduce false positives, and guide more targeted treatment options can make a significant difference in the lives of patients. As such, it is important for women to discuss this option with their healthcare providers and consider it as part of their breast cancer screening plan.
