Q: What does 3D mammography tell my doctor?
A: 3D mammography, also called “DBT” for “digital breast tomosynthesis,” is the newest, scientifically proven tool for the detection of early breast cancer or precancerous lesions. It not only helps find cancers, but helps prevent unnecessary callbacks for questionable areas that end up being normal, overlapping tissue. So how does it work? Think of a loaf of bread. Look at it lengthwise. Now, turn it a quarter turn longways. In some respects, this is the idea behind standard mammogram images. Now open the package, Lay the loaf on a table and gently and orderly allow the slices to separate as you run your fingers down the loaf. Voila! 3D mammography.
– Dr. Noel Bergquist, Tennessee Interventional and Imaging Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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