Breast cancer and its increasing incidence is one of the major health issues in women since a past few decades. Statistics show that breast cancer ranks in the top cancers in the world and it is still on the rise. One of the main aims of diagnosing a cancer at an early stage is its early detection and correct treatment planning. Not that all cancers can be completely cured, but the ones which are detected at an early stage tend to have a better prognosis.
What is digital breast tomosynthesis ?
Digital breast tomosynthesis is a 3D diagnostic technique to diagnose breast cancers when other diagnostic techniques like a self-examination, clinical examination and mammography are not successful in rendering an appropriate diagnosis. In Digital breast tomosynthesis the breast tissue can be assessed from each angle to avoid any areas of the tissue where the cancer could have been missed.
What are the advantages of digital breast tomosynthesis ?
Digital breast tomosynthesis uses digital technology to create a three-dimensional image of the breast tissue hence it gives a better and detailed picture of the breast tissue. The few advantages of a digital breast tomosynthesis are mentioned below.
- Multiple images of the breast tissue for a detailed study
- The need for a biopsy is limited in cases which do not have any traces of abnormal tissue
- Helps in diagnosing cancer in dense and scarce breast tissue which is difficult with a mammogram
- The need for multiple mammograms is eliminated
When is a digital breast tomosynthesis not advised ?
Since the digital breast tomosynthesis also uses ionizing radiation it is not advised in women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, it is also not advised in individuals who are advised to abstain from any kind of radiation exposure. It is always advised that you ask your treating doctor or your radiologist about the risk and benefits of digital breast tomosynthesis.
What happens during a digital breast tomosynthesis ?
Digital breast tomosynthesis scan is performed in a radiology unit by a trained radiologist along with a technician who is trained to assist in the same. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and will be asked to remove all your jewelry. You will be made to stand or lie down like in a mammography procedure and your breast tissue will be compressed between two boards to obtain a stationary image. The scanner then scans the breast tissues and sends signals to a monitor which constructs these signals into multiple images. These are like thin sections of the breast tissues from every angle hence majorly the entire breast tissue is scanned for any traces of cancer.
Who reports a digital breast tomosynthesis scan and when ?
A digital breast tomosynthesis is reported by a radiologist either on the same day or as per the institutions reporting policy.
What are the risks associated with digital breast tomosynthesis ?
Digital breast tomosynthesis is a specialized radiological imaging technique which utilizes ionizing radiation to create images of the breast tissue, hence radiation associated side effects might occur like irritation or burning sensation on the skin and rashes rarely. It is advisable that you ask your treating doctor about the side effects and benefits of the same before going ahead with the scan.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
