A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that by adding 3-D breast imaging to digital mammography significantly decreased the number of patients called back for further imaging and increased the rate of breast cancer detection.

This advanced technology, called breast tomosynthesis, is an option available to patients at four Texas Health Resources hospitals. In 2009, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas became one of the first in the country to begin offering to patients through a clinical trial, followed by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth.

“It removes tissue overlap by taking pictures of the breast in layers, generating 15 discrete images of the breast from different angles,” said Dr. Douglas Baker, medical director of the Peggy A. Bell Women’s Diagnostic and Breast Center at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. “The computer system uses these images to mathematically create a tomogram, showing the tissue as three-dimensional layers.”

Standard mammography is a two-dimensional X-ray of the breast, relying on the contrast of tumors and adjacent normal breast tissue. In women with dense breast tissue, deadly tumors can hide in the shadows of overlapping tissue.

“The 3D digital technology gives us a clearer picture of the breast tissue,” Baker added. “This aids in locating cancerous cells that can remain unseen in a 2D image, allowing for earlier detection and treatment.”

According to the Radiological Society of North America, women screened with 3D mammography, have shown a 47 percent increase in cancer detection compared to 2D mammography alone.

Additionally, fewer false positives were found thus reducing the need for further exams and extra anxiety for patients waiting for these results.

“We are pleased to offer this service to our patients and want them to leave their appointments with a peace of mind,” said Julia Taylor, manager of the breast center at Texas Health Dallas. “This is a valuable option for women who know they are at an increased risk for breast cancer.”

Discussion of the study, Addition of 3-D Imaging Technique to Mammography Increases Breast Cancer Detection Rate, was broadcast on this week’s JAMA Report.

For more information about breast imaging services at Texas Health hospitals, visit TexasHealth.org/breast-care.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is an 898-bed acute care hospital and recognized clinical program leader, having provided compassionate care to the residents of Dallas and surrounding communities since 1966. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Texas Health Dallas among the nation’s best hospitals in digestive disorders, orthopedics, and neurology and neurosurgery. An affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, Texas Health Dallas has approximately 4,000 employees and an active medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit TexasHealth.org/Dallas.