Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women globally. Therefore, early identification is critical for successful treatment and higher survival rates. For decades, traditional 2D mammography was the standard for breast cancer screening. However, technological breakthroughs have created a new, more effective method: 3D mammography. This represents a significant advancement in digital mammography screening, providing patients with improved detection and peace of mind.
What is 3D Mammography Exactly?
3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, is a more sophisticated type of breast imaging as it creates a three-dimensional image of the breast. Unlike typical 2D mammography, which produces a single flat image, 3D mammography records several images from various angles. These images are then reassembled into a 3D model of the breast, which radiologists can study layer by layer. Our favored system that applies this sophisticated imaging technique in its high-quality 3D mammography equipment is Hologic Selenia Dimensions & Hologic 3Dimensions system.
The Hologic Selenia Dimensions system is one of the most popular and sophisticated 3D mammography platforms. It provides high-resolution imaging and is well-known for its extensive breast tomosynthesis capabilities. The 3D mammography device takes numerous low-dose photos from various angles of the breast and reconstructs them into a sequence of thin, high-resolution slices. This approach enhances the imaging of overlapping tissues, making it simpler to detect tiny cancers that would otherwise be overlooked by regular 2D mammography.
3Dimensions is a newer generation mammography system from Hologic, building upon the technology of Selenia Dimensions. It features advanced 3D imaging capabilities as a standard component, providing clearer and more detailed images of breast tissue. 3Dimensions also includes additional features such as the SmartCurve paddle, designed fro a more comfortable compression experience during mammograms. This system offers improved accuracy and visualization, enhancing the early detection of breast cancer and improving patient comfort during screenings.
While both the Selenia Dimensions and 3Dimensions are digital mammography systems from Hologic, 3Dimensions represents a more advanced and comprehensive solution with standard 3D imaging capabilities and additional comfort features like the SmartCurve paddle.
How Does 3D 3DMammography Work?
3D mammography uses a moving X-ray source that sweeps across the breast in an arc. This advanced procedure takes many thin slices of the breast from various angles, which are then digitally merged to create a full 3D picture. Here’s a 6-step explanation of how it works:
1. Easy Preparation
To start, the patient stands in front of the 3D mammography device. The breast is placed on a flat support plate, and a compression paddle gently compresses the breast to equally distribute the tissue. This compression is critical for producing clear pictures and lowering radiation exposure.
2. Image Capturing
The 3D mammography machine’s X-ray arm rotates in an arc around the breast, capturing several low-dose X-ray pictures from different angles. Unlike 2D mammography, which takes just one picture per session, this method collects numerous slices of the breast. Typically, a dozen or more photos are recorded in a couple of seconds.
3. Image Reconstruction
The images are then processed by the computer to produce a succession of thin, high-resolution slices. These slices, which are normally 1 millimeter thick, can be examined individually or as part of a 3D reconstruction of the whole breast. This tiered method gives radiologists a thorough view of the breast tissue, layer by layer.
4. Radiologists’ Examinations
Radiologists can examine 3D images on high-resolution displays. The ability to study breast tissue in small slices enables radiologists to differentiate between benign and cancerous areas more effectively. It addresses the issue of overlapping tissues, which is a typical drawback of 2D mammography and can mask microscopic cancers or result in false positives.
5. Enhanced Detection
3D mammography greatly improves the identification of tiny tumors, especially in women with dense breast tissue. Dense tissue can obscure anomalies on 2D images, while 3D slices provide a better and more detailed perspective, making it simpler to spot microscopic malignancies that might otherwise go unnoticed.
6. Reduction of False Positives
3D mammography also minimizes the risk of false positives, which occur when the test detects an abnormality that is not malignant. By providing a complete and more precise image, 3D mammography aids in distinguishing between harmless abnormalities and serious concerns, lowering the frequency of unnecessary callbacks and breast biopsies.
As a result, 3D mammography uses modern imaging technology to offer a more detailed and comprehensive view of the breast. This approach not only increases the accuracy of breast cancer detection but also improves the overall screening experience by reducing false positives and unnecessary follow-ups.
Comprehensive Clinical Trials
A succession of large-scale investigations and clinical trials has validated the usefulness of 3D mammography. These studies, which involve thousands of people and span many years, analyze the technology’s long-term advantages as well as possible hazards. For example, the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) conducted a large-scale study involving data from over 13 community-based breast imaging facilities and included hundreds of thousands of mammograms. The large-scale TOMMY (TOMosynthesis Mammography) experiment in the United Kingdom enrolled over 7,000 women and indicated a clear benefit in identifying breast cancer while lowering recalls. These studies provided strong evidence that 3D mammography increases cancer detection rates while reducing recall rates.
Ongoing Innovation and Future Research
The area of 3D mammography continues to expand, with continuing research aimed at improving its capabilities. Image analysis and diagnosis accuracy are being improved through innovations such as the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI). AI systems can help radiologists identify worrisome spots in 3D pictures, thereby enhancing diagnosis speed and accuracy. Future research will focus on developing even more advanced imaging methods capable of producing better resolution pictures with fewer radiation doses.
How Mammo.com Can Assist You
3D mammography stands out as a breakthrough in breast research, providing higher accuracy, earlier detection, and fewer false positives. Its capacity to produce a sharper, more comprehensive image of breast tissue is transforming cancer diagnosis and patient outcomes. As technology advances, 3D mammography will become an increasingly important tool in the early identification and treatment of breast cancer, providing hope and comfort to millions of women worldwide. For those looking to integrate this cutting-edge technology, Mammo.com offers a reliable source for refurbished 3D mammography equipment, comprehensive service, essential parts, and professional installations. Contact us today for more information.
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