Can Tomosynthesis Replace 2D Mammography as a Future Breast Screening Tool?

Abstract

Digital 2D mammography is the current standard of care for breast cancer screening. False positives and overdiagnosis have been cited as potential harms of screening mammography, and efforts to improve this technology have led to the development of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). The literature thus far has shown screening with tomosynthesis to simultaneously decrease recall rates and increase cancer detection. This review evaluates the possibility for 2D plus tomosynthesis mammography to replace conventional 2D screening. It outlines the requirements of an effective screening modality, reviews early and recent literature on performance outcomes, including results by age and density, and highlights potential challenges.