Tomosynthesis Better at Detecting Breast Cancer, Study Finds

More than 200,000 American women are anticipated to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. For many of them, mammograms will get the credit for identifying suspicious growths. Long considered the gold standard for early breast cancer detection, this test does have a new rival. Tomosynthesis is showing itself to be a very reliable detector of breast tumors, even topping the standard mammography in a recent study.

Tomosynthesis is a test that creates a 3-dimensional image of the breast using X-rays. This imaging technology differs from a standard mammogram in much the same way as a CT scan might differ from a typical X-ray. Whereas a mammogram produces flat images, tomosynthesis creates a more robust picture of the health status of the breasts with its 3-D look inside.

To better gauge the effectiveness of tomosynthesis versus mammogram, researchers took a look at more than 33,000 patients recently. During a three-year study, they looked at such things as cancer detection rates, predictive value and recall rates. The bottom line in the comparison was a reduced number of recalls and a higher cancer detection rate. The results essentially showed that tomosynthesis outperformed mammograms rather well in accurate detection.

Breast cancer is considered one of the least cancers diagnosed in American women. The disease when caught early is often highly treatable. Women are urged to begin early screenings during annual checkups. Mammograms are currently recommended annually starting around the age of 40. Those with higher risk factors for breast cancer may find the recommendation to undergo routine mammograms comes at an earlier age.

Tomosynthesis is not yet widely used, but if the process holds up in continued study that may change. For the time being, self-examinations, routine health checkups and annual mammograms when indicated are the paths to early detection. Women who are concerned about breast cancer are urged to discuss their risks with their healthcare provider.

About Author

Choice Cancer Care is an independent, physician-owned cancer center network. Dr. Gregory Echt, a radiation oncologist with over two decades of experience, is the founder of Choice Cancer Care. Choice Cancer Care is among the busiest practices in the country for brachytherapy, or prostate seed implant therapy – a cancer treatment plan for prostate cancer that provides remarkable success rates and fewer life-limiting side effects.

North Texas based Choice Cancer Care is a physician-owned cancer treatment center. Dr. Gregory Echt, a radiation oncologist specializes in the most highly sophisticated methods of chemotherapy and radiation therapy available today.