What is a Digital Mammography?
Mammography is a low dose X-ray examination of the breast to screen for breast abnormalities. In digital mammography, high resolution 2D image of the breast are produced and viewed on the computer screen and this is more accurate than conventional film-screen mammography for early breast cancer detection. Detection accuracy is also improved significantly with CAD, a computer-aided detection that offers “second opinion” in detecting abnormalities.
What is Digital Breast Tomosynthesis?
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is 3D mammography of the breast and this allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time instead of one flat image. DBT may be used in conjunction with 2D digital mammography as an additional tool in screening where both 2D and 3D breast images are produced in a single breast compression or in a diagnostic mammography if you are recalled back.
For the patient, a DBT experience is very similar to a 2D digital mammography and very low dose X-ray will be used under FDA guidelines. The benefits of DBT as an additional screening tool are reduction in recall rates (‘call-backs”) of screening mammography, increase in sensitivity and cancer detection rate. DBT provides better lesion characterisation and precise lesion location. It has been reported that young women with dense mammographic breast tissue may benefit the most from DBT.
Before the appointment:
Important points to take note of
How is the procedure performed?
After my mammogram
For women presented with breast complaints, images taken will be reviewed by the radiologist and you are required to wait about an hour to determine if more imaging are required.
In women with no breast complaints, the images taken will be interpreted independently by two radiologists and radiographer will inform you when to expect your results.
Why do I require further imaging?
*Important Notes:
Please take note that
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