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3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)

October 3rd, 2011

Pioneered at Mass General, 3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, produces a 3D view of breast tissue to improve breast-cancer screening and detection while reducing callbacks and anxiety for women.

BENEFITS:

• Improves radiologists’ ability to screen for and detect potential breast cancers.
• Helps radiologists pinpoint size, shape, and location of abnormalities.
• Can help distinguish harmless abnormalities from real tumors, leading to fewer callbacks and less anxiety for women.

 

INNOVATION:

• Pioneered at Mass General.
• Received FDA approval Feb. 11, 2011, following 10 years of research led by Mass General Breast Imagingteam.
• Mass General Imaging performed first clinical tomosynthesis exam in United States March 7, 2011.

 

AVAILABILITY:

• Tomosynthesis is complementary to standard mammography, which remains the “gold standard.”
• Experts expect tomosynthesis to eventually become the new gold standard.
• Tomosynthesis is performed along with a standard mammogram—at the same time on the same scanner.
• Tomosynthesis is available at Mass General in Boston, Mass General West Imaging – Waltham and at Mass General Imaging – Worcester

 

To learn more about the benefits and availability of 3D mammographay, click here.