Digital breast tomosynthesis

Abstract

In digital breast tomosynthesis several low dose mammograms are acquired from different angles to calculate thin slices of synthetic mammograms from algorithms. Similar to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, breast tomosynthesis provides breast images which are virtually free from superimposition. This is in particular important in cases of high mammographic density to differentiate real masses and architectural distortions from the overlying parenchyma. In comparison to full field digital mammography tomosynthesis can improve the cancer detection rate and reduce the recall rate. The limitations of tomosynthesis are the higher radiation dose and the longer reporting time compared to full field digital mammography. Until the radiation dose can be significantly reduced it is advisable to use tomosynthesis in addition to full field digital mammography primarily for the assessment of suspicious mammographic findings and not for breast cancer screening.