Let's learn exactly about Tomosynthesis - the latest 3D method for early detection of breast cancer!

You may have heard of the 'mammogram' test. This is a very important test for early detection of breast cancer. But did you know that there is a new method that uses the same mammogram technology, which is even more advanced and gives clearer results? That is what we call 'Digital Breast Tomosynthesis' or simply 'Tomosynthesis'. This is popularly known as '3D Mammography'. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Tomosynthesis?

Imagine you're looking at a book. A regular, old 2D mammogram is like taking a photo of the book's cover. The pages inside are all tangled up together, like a ball. If something is hidden, it's hard to find.

But, with this new 3D mammogram (Tomosynthesis), it's like turning the pages of that book, taking separate photos of each page. The machine takes many images of your breast from different angles, in very fine 'slices'. Then, a computer uses these images to create a complete three-dimensional (3D) model of your breast.

Because of this, even if there is a tiny lump or change hidden within the breast tissue, the doctor will be able to see it very clearly.

Who is this test really important to?

Anyone who wants to have a mammogram can benefit from this 3D method. However, there are some groups for whom this is especially important. That is, women with 'dense breast tissue'. Many women in our country have this condition.

What is this 'dense breast tissue'?

Simply put, a breast is made up of fatty tissue and glandular tissue. Some women have more glandular tissue than fatty tissue in their breasts. That's what we call 'dense breasts.'

Now, look, on a regular mammogram X-ray image, this dense tissue and a tumor, both show up as white. It's like looking for a white polar bear in a snowstorm. That's why a regular 2D mammogram is more likely to miss cancer hidden within dense breasts.

This has another big advantage. Sometimes, in a regular mammogram, the healthy tissue can be mistaken for cancer because it looks like it's overlapping. We call this a 'false-positive' result. This leads to unnecessary fear and further testing. The 3D method greatly reduces these false-positives.

When is a tomosynthesis test necessary?

This test is used for two main purposes.

1. As a screening test: It is generally recommended that all women start getting mammograms after the age of 40. If someone in your family has had breast cancer, your doctor may recommend that you get this test done earlier. So, tomosynthesis is a good option to check for cancer before symptoms appear.

2. As a diagnostic test: If you have any symptoms in your breasts (e.g., a lump, pain, skin changes), your doctor may refer you for this test to determine whether the cause is cancer or not.

How should you prepare before this test?

It is important to take care of these things before the test.

• Tell your doctor about your medical history: if you have had any previous breast problems, if you have had surgery, what hormones you take, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Take old records with you: If you've had a mammogram done elsewhere before, it's important to take those images and records with you to your new location. It's easy to spot even the smallest differences when comparing the old and new images.
• Choose a day when your breasts are least sore: Breast pain and tenderness are usually at their lowest during the first week or two after your period. If possible, schedule your exam on that day.

What to expect on the day of the test?

The entire test takes about 30 minutes. You can go home the same day.

• Do not apply deodorant, powder, or lotion: Wash your body and go clean. But do not apply any deodorant, powder, or cream to the armpit area or around the breasts. Some of these substances can show up as white spots on X-ray images. This can cause incorrect results.
• Think about your clothes: Wear comfortable clothes that you can easily take off. You will need to remove the top part of your body (including your underwear) and put on a hospital gown.
• Don't wear jewelry: Remove items like necklaces and leave them at home. These can also affect the photos.

How to do the test?

This is just like having a regular mammogram. The only difference is that the part of the machine that emits the X-rays (the X-ray tube) moves in an arc around your breast.

The technologist will have you stand next to the machine and ask you to place one breast on a platform. A plastic plate will then be lowered and compress your breast.

It is normal to feel some pressure or discomfort at this time. However, if you experience unbearable pain, tell the technician. The breast is compressed in this way for a reason. This helps to thin the tissue and produce a clearer picture. It also reduces the amount of radiation your body is exposed to.

You need to stay still. The machine will move and take several pictures from different angles over a few seconds. Once one side is finished, the other breast is examined in the same way.

Key differences between a regular (2D) mammogram and a tomosynthesis (3D) mammogram

To understand better, let's look at the difference between these two methods.

Should we be afraid of radioactivity?

This is a problem for many people. A 3D mammogram emits slightly more radiation than a regular 2D mammogram. However, you have no reason to worry about this. This radiation dose is very low, within safe limits . The benefits of early detection of breast cancer far outweigh this very small radiation exposure.

How are the results obtained? What do they tell us?

A radiologist will carefully examine your images and look for signs of cancer. He or she will write a report and send it to the doctor who referred you for the test. Your doctor will then explain the results to you.

Results are usually available within a few days. Depending on the results,

• You can be sure that you don't have cancer.
• If you see something suspicious, you may be recommended to have further tests (e.g. another mammogram, ultrasound, MRI scan, or biopsy) to investigate further.

Remember that only a biopsy can confirm 100% whether cancer is present .

Finally, if you have a mammogram coming up, talk to your doctor about the Tomosynthesis (3D) method. He or she will decide whether this method or the conventional method is best for you, based on the characteristics of your breasts and your medical history. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification.

Tomosynthesis, 3D mammogram, breast cancer, mammogram, dense breasts, cancer screening, women's health