3D Mammography

3D Mammography: Learn About The Most Advanced Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Technology being offered at SKMCH&RC, Lahore

Women who are 40 years old and above should begin annual mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) is providing state-of-the-art facilities to the public for breast cancer screening and disease management. The Hospital has recently invested in the latest equipment and technology to augment its radiology services. SKMCH&RC, Lahore is the first facility in Pakistan to offer 3D mammography.

What is 3D mammography?

3D mammography, also known as digital tomosynthesis, is the advanced technology that takes multiple images of breast tissue to recreate a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. 3D mammograms tend to give a more detailed image of the breast tissue compared to standard 2D mammograms, making abnormalities in the breast easier to see. The technique is especially helpful for females with dense breast tissue.

Is 3D mammography better than standard 2D mammography?

Multiple trials are still ongoing however, so far, results have proven that 3D mammography helps to catch breast cancer early by providing clearer and better image of the breast than standard 2D mammography. 3D mammography is more effective in terms of both, a screening tool for patients who have no symptoms as well as a diagnostic tool for patients who present with some signs and symptoms potentially related to breast cancer.

In standard 2D mammography, radiologists have to look at two different images separately and then correlate those images. In contrast, a 3D mammogram is reconstructed based on multiple images of the breast so when radiologists look at a 3D mammogram, they can easily compare and clearly identify any abnormality.

As breast is a 3D structure, there are chances that small lesions might be obscured in standard 2D imaging. A 3D mammogram is especially advantageous in detecting breast cancer in people with dense breast tissue because the 3D image allows doctors to see beyond areas of density. Therefore, another advantage of 3D mammography is that it helps in reducing false negatives by detecting any obscured tumour. If detected early through 3D mammography, these tumours are still treatable, leading to better disease management and possibly higher cure rates.

How doctors at SKMCH&RC choose the best type of mammography for you?

At SKMCH&RC, 3D mammography is being used along with 2D mammography as a special problem-solving tool. When 2D mammograms produce images that are not entirely clear or any obscurity is suspected, we use 3D mammography to ensure that small lesions are not missed out. We are proud to offer the best early detection options to the public in general as well as best diagnostic services to our cancer patients in particular.

If you are planning to schedule your next mammography screening and are not sure whether to choose 2D mammography or 3D mammography, please consult your physician. To get an appointment for mammography screening, please visit any of our Diagnostic Centres or Hospitals.

For more information about which type of mammogram is best for you, read our blog post.