Three-dimensional (3D) mammography or breast tomosynthesis is a revolutionary breast-imaging technology that gives radiologists the ability to view inside the breast, layer by layer, helping to see the fine details much more clearly by minimizing overlapping tissue. During a 3D mammogram, multiple low-dose images known as “slices” of the breast are acquired at different angles. These images are combined to create a three-dimensional rendering of the entire breast, allowing CIRA’s highly skilled breast imaging specialists to manipulate the images to see areas of concern from all angles.
Benefits of 3D mammography include earlier detection of small breast cancers that may be hidden during conventional, two-dimensional mammography. This includes: greater accuracy in pinpointing size, shape and location of abnormalities, fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional tests, and a greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumors, which occur in up to 15% of breast cancer patients.