Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT)

DBT is a three-dimensional (3D) breast imaging technology that uses a rotating X-ray source to acquire multiple image slices at several angles. The X-ray source rotates around the breast in an arc. Serial exposures are taken every few degrees in the arc rotation. These images are then reconstituted by software to produce a 3Dimage of the breast, similar to CAT scanning. It has been suggested that DBT will have a higher sensitivity and specificity than Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM), resulting in fewer for false-positive results and missed cancers by eliminating overlapping breast tissue resulting in improved lesion border identification. DBT is intended as an adjunct and alternative to screen-film mammography or FFDM for the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. Therefore, the potential patient population includes the millions of women who undergo annual screening mammography and follow-up diagnostic imaging. For screening, DBT is used in conjunction with FFDM. The results must be interpreted by a radiologist specialized in mammography. Tomosynthesis typically involves additional imaging time and radiation exposure, although recent improvements in software may change this.