As a woman, you have a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer during your lifetime. Used in conjunction with self-awareness and an annual physical exam from your healthcare provider, mammography can help detect breast cancer in its early, most treatable stages. Tomosynthesis is an advanced type of mammography.

Baptist Health is nationally recognized for excellence in cancer care. We offer a comprehensive breast cancer screening and treatment program, including advanced mammography like tomosynthesis. Best of all, you’ll appreciate convenient appointment times, locations near you and a personalized focus to meet your needs before, during and after your mammogram.

What Is Tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis is an advanced type of mammogram that can detect breast cancer even before symptoms appear. It can be called 3-D mammography or digital breast tomosynthesis. The process uses several low-dose X-rays to take pictures of breast tissue from different angles. The 3D exam shows pictures “slices” throughout the entire thickness of the breast in each view.

What Is the Difference Between a 2D Mammogram and Tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis differs from a 2D mammogram in several ways. The most notable differences include better clarity and accuracy, especially for those with dense breast tissue. This diagnostic tool uses slightly higher radiation exposure than a 2D mammogram to make detection of cancer more accurate. The slightly higher radiation level is still within safe limits.

What Are the Benefits of Tomosynthesis? 

Tomosynthesis produces more detailed images of breast cancer than a typical mammogram. These enhanced images provide numerous benefits, including:

• Identify breast changes sooner.
• Deliver more accurate images for dense breast tissue.
• Reduce the rate of false-positive readings that require call-back imaging.
• Increase accuracy in pinpointing the size, shape and location of breast abnormalities.

Who Should Have Breast Tomosynthesis?

There are certain populations who may benefit more from having a breast tomosynthesis. These populations include women who have dense breast tissue, those undergoing regular screenings, and individuals who require follow-up diagnostic imaging.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

During a tomosynthesis mammogram, the breast is positioned and compressed in the same way as in a traditional mammogram. Compressing the breast evens out the tissue so that small abnormalities are less likely to be hidden by overlapping tissue. The breast remains compressed as an X-ray tube moves in an arc around the breast, capturing multiple images. It takes less than 5 seconds for the imaging and the entire process takes less than 30 minutes. The information from the X-rays is sent to a computer, which produces a detailed 3-D image of the breast tissue. 

The 3-D images will be read by a radiologist, who will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care provider. If you are having a screening annual mammogram you will be notified by a letter within a 10-day time frame. You may be having a new problem that requires a diagnostic mammogram. The diagnostic mammogram is done under the direction of a radiologist. After the entire diagnostic exam is completed, you will get the results that day.

What to Expect After Breast Tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis mammograms are fast and easy, and most women only experience slight discomfort during breast compression. If you are concerned about sensitivity or pain, some doctors may recommend taking Tylenol before your mammogram. Most women experience minimal to no pain and can return to their normal activities immediately.

Tomosynthesis Possible Risks

Radiation exposure from a tomosynthesis mammogram is low and well within FDA-approved levels of safety. Risks associated with tomosynthesis are minimal but can include:

• Some cancers can hide in dense breast tissue and not show up in a mammogram.

What Are the Limitations of Breast Tomosynthesis?

There are some potential limitations of breast tomosynthesis. Limitations may include:

• Cost — Some insurance plans may not fully cover the procedure.
• Alternative imaging — In some cases, traditional mammography or other imaging may be sufficient.
• Radiation exposure — Slightly higher radiation exposure compared to 2D mammography.
• Image quality variation — Variation in image quality depending on equipment or technique.
• Reconstruction differences — Differences in reconstruction algorithms, which may affect interpretation.

Schedule Your Mammogram Today

Prioritizing breast health is critical for early detection and better treatment outcomes. Scheduling regular mammograms with Baptist Health supports early detection of breast cancer. Additionally, regular screenings, including tomosynthesis, can improve treatment outcomes. Please call Baptist Health today to schedule your mammogram.

FAQs

Is Tomosynthesis Better Than Mammograms?

Tomosynthesis is typically better than mammograms for people with dense breast tissue, those undergoing regular screenings, and individuals who require follow-up diagnostic imaging.

Is Tomosynthesis Better for Dense Breasts?

Yes. Tomosynthesis is better for dense breasts. The slight increase in radiation helps provide more clarity and more accurate images and results.

Is Breast Tomosynthesis Painful?

Breast tomosynthesis is not considered painful and most people experience little to no pain, and may return immediately to normal activities.

How Much Radiation Is Used in Breast Tomosynthesis?

The regular dose of radiation in a tomosynthesis is just under 3 times the amount used in a regular mammogram. It is still within the safe limit of radiation exposure.