Think Pinker

Back in the latter part of 2007 Radiologist came up with a much better method to perform a mammogram using digital tomasynthesis which provided a 3D image of the breast. An X-ray tube moves forming an arc around the breast, allowing for several images to be captured. The information is then collected and sent to a computer system where the very high resolution 3D images can be viewed by the radiologist.

According to Science Daily 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer at some time during her life. Until recently the mammogram was really the only tool that allowed for early detection. But most women will tell you that mammograms are no walk in the park – they are uncomfortable and can be quite painful.

And from a radiologist point of view improvements are welcomed since being the one to have to interpret a mammogram is scary for many radiologists. Since almost half of all women have dense breast tissue on a mammogram this can easily be mistaken for breast cancer tumors.

In just the few months that Digital Tomosynthesis those Radiologists that have an opportunity to explore this option will tell you that it’s much easier to pinpoint cancer even as little as 2 mm with digital tomosynthesis, a task that would be unthinkable with a traditional mammogram. It’s a bit like flipping through the pages of a book. Each section can be isolated that well.

It believed that it will soon receive FDA approval and that over time it will actually replace regular mammography. 7 out of 10 breast cancers start in the milk ducts. Early detection is essential to a positive outcome. Breast cancer needs to be diagnosed before it metastasizes to other organs.

The results are beginning to come in and there’s no doubt that radiologists, oncologists, and the scientific community as a whole feel that Digital Tomosynthesis is going to have a positive influence on early detection.