Breast tomosynthesis holds promise for early breast cancer detection
March 04, 2016
Breast tomosynthesis is a three-dimensional (3-D) imaging technology that involves a small number of low dose images of a breast in a short (5 second) scan. A powerful computer is then used to reconstruct the images into a series of thin high-resolution slices. Reconstructed tomosynthesis slices reduce or eliminate the problems caused by tissue overlap and structure noise in conventional two-dimensional (2-D) mammography. Breast tomosynthesis also offers a number of exciting opportunities, including improved diagnostic and screening accuracy, fewer recalls, greater radiologist confidence, and 3D lesion localization.
Dr. Rose predicts he'll see fewer false positive results with breast tomosynthesis. And because the images are clearer, he believes radiologists will have the capability to see smaller lesions than what can be seen on a conventional mammogram.
"We're very excited about breast tomosynthesis because we can look at isolated areas of the breast in greater detail," added Dr. Rose.
Breast tomosynthesis is available commercially in Europe and Canada but not yet approved for use in the United States. Hospitals including Memorial Hermann Memorial City are gathering data for FDA approval. The clinical trial is sponsored in part by Hologic, manufacturer of the breast tomosynthesis system used in the trial.
SOURCE Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center