3D Mammography Increases Cancer Dection, Study

A new study finds that adding three dimensional imaging to mammography testing increases the ability to detect cancer.

Scientists used data collected from 13 medical centers that had replaced X-ray mammograms with 3D imaging, or tomosynthesis, which is similar to a CT scan.

Battling Breast Cancer: 3-D Breast Cancer Mammograms

They looked at the results from when the centers used just X-ray mammography, and then when they were using both mammograms and tomosynthesis. What they found was a 15 percent decrease in follow-up appointments for more imaging when tomosynthesis was used, and a 41 percent increase in the detection of possibly lethal cancers.

The 3D imaging was also able to spot very small and aggressive tumors that might otherwise be overlooked.

“The significance of the tomosynthesis study is that it fundamentally changes the discussion about mammography,” Dr. Margarita Zuley, medical director of breast imaging at the Magee Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, told NBC News. “The controversy started roaring over the last two years. But now the risk-benefit ratio has shifted. I think this is a real game-changer in the discussion.”

Agencies/Canadajournal