Digital mammography - tomosynthesis

Radiographic mammography is a method of radiological examination of mammary glands, which enables the assessment of the breast image in a two-dimensional plane. This method is considered the “gold standard” for breast diagnosis, characterized by high (>92%) specificity.

Mammography with tomosynthesis is an in-depth study of the breast, during which we obtain both 2D and 3D images. During tomosynthesis, images of breast layers up to 1 mm thick are obtained, followed by the creation of a three-dimensional image from these layered images.

Tomosynthesis is especially informative in the case of dense breast glands (radiological density ACR3, ACR4) when pathology cannot be visualized on a standard mammogram due to a summative (caused by overlapping) image. 

Standard mammogram shows a medial asymmetric density focus that may be assessed as Bi-RADS 3 (possibly malignant).

In tomosynthesis regimen, the neoplasm with unclear contours is exposed which is assessed as Bi-RADS 5 -  highly suspicious malignant.

Multiple studies have shown that compared to a standard mammogram, tomosynthesis is 25-35% more effective in detecting breast cancer.

Benefits of tomosynthesis:

• Early detection of a small-size or “hidden” breast cancer.
• High accuracy of detecting pathology localization, less need for biopsy and additional tests that reduce the probability of incorrect diagnosis by 15 %.
• High probability of detecting multiple breast tumors.
• Obtaining clearer image in case of dense breast tissue. 
• Reducing the number of false positive diagnoses.