Breast Mammography

What Is 3D Breast Mammography?

3D Breast Mammography or 3D Breast Tomosynthesis is a new type of procedure. It is an X-ray procedure similar to a mammogram, but unlike a mammogram, which captures a 2D or flat image of the breast, a tomosynthesis can be used to produce 3D images.

What Part of the Anatomy Is Examined by a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis?

A 3D breast tomosynthesis is a procedure designed specifically to examine breast tissue.

Benefits of a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis?

There are several benefits to 3D breast tomosynthesis:

The procedure is more comfortable than a mammogram
Test results are more accurate as the breast tissue is not compressed reducing the likelihood of tumours going undetected
The 3D images produced are more detailed

What Conditions can Be Diagnosed by a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis?

The 3D breast tomosynthesis procedure is used by doctors and specialists to diagnose breast cancer, and various other diseases of the breast, for example, fibroid adenoma. We may also add an ultrasound examination to add to the information. This is usually done at the discretion of the Radiologist and is often done when breasts are especially dense.

Why Is a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis Required?

Like a mammogram, 3D breast tomosynthesis can detect tumours which are too small to be felt. Patients who are considered at high risk of developing breast cancer (i.e. due to a family history of breast cancer) may be advised by their doctor to undergo testing.

Preparation for 3D Breast Mammography

Patients Are Asked to:

Book an appointment when their breast are least tender, where possible.
Let us know if you have had a previous mastectomy or breast implants.
Avoid using perfumes, deodorants and antiperspirants or any cream and powders (these may show up on the x-ray images making them more difficult to read).
Let the centre know beforehand if you have any physical or mental difficulties, require extra time and/or a carer to be present.
Bring any previous mammograms

What will Happen when You Arrive for Your Mammogram?

Your details will be checked, and your examination carried out by a Radiographer who has specialised in breast work or more commonly called a Mammographer. You will be asked to undress from the waist up. It is recommended that you wear a loose, comfortable, two-part outfit. The whole appointment takes less than half an hour and the actual 3D Tomosynthesis will take around 5- 10 minutes.

The Results

The Radiologist's report which contains your results will be sent to your doctor within a few days.

Risks & Complications of a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis

A risk commonly associated with all x-rays is radiation exposure, which can lead to cancer. However, patients are typically only exposed to a few seconds of low-level radiation in a localised area.

Patients who undergo a 3D breast tomosynthesis may be exposed to more radiation than those who get digital mammography.

You can find out more about the levels and risks of x-rays from the Patient Dose Information Fact Sheet, published by Public Health England.

Consequences If the Suspected Condition Is Undiagnosed or Untreated

Breast cancer is a serious condition. Early detection and treatment reduce the need for chemotherapy and mastectomies and increase the patient’s chances of recovery.

Alternatives to a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis

A mammogram is another procedure used to examine breasts for signs of cancer.

Preparation for a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis

Is a Special Diet Required Before a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis?

There are no special diet requirements for a 3D breast tomosynthesis. However, patients are advised to avoid using perfumes, deodorants and antiperspirants or any cream and powders. These products may contain metallic fragments which will show up on the x-ray images making them hard to read.

What Should a Patient Tell the Doctor Before a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis?

You should alert your radiographer if you have had any previous reactions to radiation, are pregnant or suspect they might be pregnant.

What Should a Patient Bring for a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis?

Patients should bring copies of any previous breast scans with them.

What Should a Patient Wear for a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis?

You will be provided with a medical gown and asked to remove all clothing, jewellery and metallic accessories from the waist up for the procedure. It is recommended that you wear a loose, comfortable, two-part outfit (i.e. a skirt or trousers rather than a dress or jumpsuit).

How Long Will a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis Take?

The entire procedure should take less than half an hour.

3D Breast Tomosynthesis Procedure

What Does 3D Breast Tomosynthesis Involve?

The 3D breast tomosynthesis procedure at our clinic.

Patients will be instructed to undress from the waist up and provided with a medical gown before being taken to an x-ray room or area.

During a 3D breast tomosynthesis, an x-ray tube is passed over the breasts, in an arc, taking multiple images, which are then collated to produce a detailed 3D image.

Some women find the examination uncomfortable, for those that do, the discomfort passes quickly.

Every effort will be made by the Mammographer to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the examination. Please note, children will not be allowed in the X-ray room. Patients will be able to return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Steps During a 3D Breast Tomosynthesis

During a 3D breast tomosynthesis, the patient will be asked to stand in front of the x-ray tube device and place one breast at a time on an x-ray plate.

The technician will give you instructions on how to position your body and may help you adjust your arms and torso to ensure that they get the best results possible.

The radiographer will then move behind a screen and ask you to remain still and hold your breath while they conduct the x-ray. During this time light pressure will be applied to the breasts to ensure they remain in place, while the x-ray tube passes over the area.

3D Breast Tomosynthesis Instructions

What Are the Recovery Details?

No recovery time is needed after a 3D breast tomosynthesis. Patients will be able to return to normal activities and work immediately after the procedure.

The x-ray images will be sent to your doctor and you can expect to discuss the results with them within a couple of weeks or less.