Diagnostic Digital Breast Tomosynthesis; Unilateral

Name of the Procedure:

Diagnostic Digital Breast Tomosynthesis; Unilateral
Common name(s): 3D Mammography, Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT)

Summary

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), also known as 3D mammography, is an advanced imaging technique used for examining the breast. This specific procedure is unilateral, meaning it focuses on one breast. It provides a series of detailed images from different angles, offering a more comprehensive view compared to traditional mammography.

Purpose

DBT is used to detect breast cancer or other abnormalities within the breast. The goal is to provide a clearer and more precise image to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the need for additional testing.

Indications

• Abnormalities detected in traditional mammograms
• Breast pain or palpable lumps
• Dense breast tissue that makes standard mammography harder to interpret
• High risk of breast cancer due to family history or genetic factors

Preparation

• Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, or creams on the day of the exam as these can appear on the images.
• Wear a two-piece outfit to make undressing easier.
• Inform the radiologist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have breast implants.

Procedure Description

1. The patient stands in front of the mammography machine.
2. The technologist positions the patient’s breast onto a flat support plate.
3. A compression paddle gently compresses the breast to spread out the tissue.
4. The machine takes multiple low-dose X-ray images from different angles.
5. These images are then synthesized into a detailed three-dimensional image by the computer. No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 10-20 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital's radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologic technologist to perform the imaging
• Radiologist to interpret the results

Risks and Complications

• Exposure to a low dose of radiation
• Discomfort or pain from the breast compression, which is temporary
• Rarely, the need for additional imaging or biopsy if abnormalities are detected

Benefits

• More accurate detection of breast cancers, especially in dense breast tissue
• Reduced need for additional imaging or biopsies
• Improved ability to distinguish between benign and malignant findings

Recovery

• No specific recovery time is needed; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Mild discomfort may be experienced but usually resolves quickly.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results.

Alternatives

• Traditional 2D mammography: less detailed but commonly available
• Breast ultrasound: useful for further evaluation of abnormalities
• MRI of the breast: more sensitive but more expensive and less available Each alternative has its own pros and cons, with varying degrees of detail, availability, and cost.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient may feel some discomfort due to the compression of the breast, but this is brief. After the procedure, there is no significant pain, and normal activities can be resumed immediately. Any concerns about discomfort should be discussed with the technologists for possible adjustments.