A new finding has revealed that a 3D mammogram gives radiologists better chances of detecting tumors in the breast. 3D mammogram, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, reportedly allows better visualization of breast tissue.
The clinical term for 3D mammogram is 3D digital breast tomosynthesis. Doctors claim that the technique captures multiple image slice of the breast at varying angles, the Miami Herald reported. The different image slices are then reconstructed to form one image leaving little room for doubt of the presence of tumors during examinations.
"It is like getting multiple views of an apple where you can actually examine each slice," Dr. Monica Yepes, chief of breast imaging, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center said. Through 3D mammograms, even small lesions could be detected faster.
"All women benefit from 3D mammography, especially women with dense breasts," Dr. Kate Lampen-Sachar, Miami Cancer Institute, added. Dr. Lampen-Sachar said that very often for women with dense breast tissue the detection of tumors and lesions can be difficult with just a 2D image.
The new technology is said to aid early detection, especially in terms of screening guidelines put forward by the American Cancer Society (ACS). The guidelines suggest women who pose an average risk of breast cancer should begin annual mammograms at 45-years.
While many doctors agree that 3D mammograms aid in identifying tumors faster, the downside to the technology is its affordability, Web MD reported. 3D mammograms are more expensive than normal scans, and most insurance copies do not cover the procedure. 3D scans can cost an additional $50 to $100.
Furthermore, the scans expose women to more radiation.
"We would like to see long-term outcomes," SAOD Dr. Sarah Friedewald, radiologist, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Illinois. However, Dr. Friedewald added that research has so far pointed to 3D mammography helping doctors discover invasive breast cancers while cutting down on the cost of further scans.
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