The added value of digital breast tomosynthesis in changing BIRADS category in mammographically detected lesions

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cause of death from cancer in women worldwide, the second leading cause of death from cancer in women in developed countries, and the leading cause of death from cancer in low- and middle-income countries, where a high proportion of women present with advanced disease, which leads to a poor prognosis. Mammography is an effective imaging tool for the detection of the early-stage breast cancer, and it is the only screening modality proved to reduce mortality from breast cancer in females over thirty five years.The biggest challenge in mammography continues to be the ability to adequately represent the complex 3D breast architecture and its subtle anatomical changes in a two –dimensional view.Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a new imaging technology that addresses the limitation caused by overlapping structures. The reconstructed tomosynthesis images provide improved visibility of objects within the selected cross section of breast tissue and, at the same time, reduced contrast and visibility of objects in overlying locations.So it changes the BIRADS grading of mammographically detected lesion , leading to fewer call back for additional screening and testing, and decreasing the number of unneeded biopsies.