Advances in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2017 Feb;208(2):256-266. doi: 10.2214/AJR.16.17127. Epub 2016 Oct 27.

Abstract

Objective: Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has rapidly emerged as an important new imaging tool that reduces the masking effect of overlapping fibroglandular tissue, thereby improving breast cancer detection. This article will review key features of DBT including technique, clinical implementation, and benign and malignant imaging findings. We will also present the benefits of DBT in screening, diagnostic workup, and image-guided biopsy.

Conclusion: Tomosynthesis improves interpretive performance and will likely replace conventional 2D mammography in clinical practice.

Keywords: breast cancer; breast imaging; mammography; screening; tomosynthesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Early Detection of Cancer / trends*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / trends*
  • Mammography / trends*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / trends*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / trends*