3D Mammography
3D Mammography is a state-of-the-art imaging equipment used to detect small and invasive cancers in breasts, which is particularly suitable for women with dense glandular breast tissues as it gives clearer diagnosis that can avoid false-positive alarm or repeat scans. Overseas proven records* show 3D mammogram has superior clinical performance to 2D mammogram alone as it can:
- Detect 41% more invasive cancers1, and
- Reduce false positive recalls by up to 40%2
Conventional or traditional mammogram takes breast image from two different angles whereas for 3D mammogram, the x-ray tube moves in a small arc (150) covering the breasts from various angles in less than four seconds and reconstruct them into three-dimensional composite images which are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer detection and diagnosis3. Radiologists can reflect the breast in a very thin slice or layer by layer. 3D mammogram not only better differentiates cancer from overlying glandular tissues and accurately identify small and invasive cancers, it also enables radiologists to pinpoint the size, shape and location of breast abnormalities and the likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumours more accurately.
Most importantly, early detection of small breast cancers, which may be left undetected with conventional mammogram, can facilitate early management of patients as well as better clinical treatment.