A specialized technique is used to diagnose every medical condition. Similarly, 3D mammography is used to detect the development of breast cancer in a female’s body, just as MRI and abdominal issues diagnose brain abnormalities by ultrasound or abdominal scan. However, there can be several 3D mammography pros and cons.
What is 3D Mammography?
The invention of 3D models and medical diagnostic techniques has made a detailed examination of various body organs easier for medical experts. The better the diagnosis, the easier the disease will be treated.
3D Mammography, also known as Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, is an advanced tool to detect breast cancer. The technology’s working is based on accumulating the x-rays from 3 dimensions. Therefore, it helps create a detailed and better image of the breast. However, 3D Mammography is almost similar to standard mammography, except the final results of 3D Mammography are better.
How Does 3D Mammography Differ From 2D Mammography?
Mammography is an effective technique for the detection of breast cancer. However, there are two types of mammography, 2D and 3D. Most doctors and medical professionals prefer 3D mammography as it helps in creating an even better picture of the breast tissue.
Standard mammography is known to create a flat image of the breast. In contrast, 3D mammography is used to create a three-dimensional image. The final 3D image gives a complete impression of the breast tissue from various angles. This technique is known to identify the signs of any cancer or lump formation.
In 2D mammography, detailed analysis of the breast tissue can be challenging. In addition, 2D mammography, or standard mammography, is known to deliver an unclear image of the breast tissue. Also, the detection of cancer growth or lump formation is not as clear as in 3D mammography.
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3D Mammography Pros & Cons
Every diagnostic technique comes with certain pros and cons. For example, 3D mammography is a significant process in detecting cancer growth within breast tissue. But, it is not a painless process in some cases. Nothing can deny that 3D mammography is incredibly beneficial. However, there can be certain drawbacks of this mammography as well. Some of the 3D mammography pros and cons are listed below:
Pros Of 3D Mammography
3D mammography is an advanced version of traditional mammography. Research has proven that 3D mammography services gives a clear image of the breast tissues. This technique is a better option to detect invasive types of cancer, giving women better treatment options that don’t require chemotherapy.
Less Fake Positive Results
The chances of getting fake positive results are quite less in 3D mammography. However, a fake positive result can cause extreme anxiety in the patients. Therefore, the chances of getting fake positive results are higher in standard mammography than in 3D mammography.
Express Results
The other greatest advantage of 3D mammography is the express result delivery. The results of 3D mammography are delivered in less time. Therefore, it does not take too much time.
Accurate Cancer Detection
Cancer growth detection is one of the most prominent advantages of 3D mammography. The sole purpose of this technique is to analyze the signs of atypical cancer development in the breast tissues. In comparison to 2D mammography, 3D mammography helps in accurate cancer detection.
Decreased Or No Risk For Radiation Emission
Almost every scanning technique uses x-rays to create a clear image of the breast tissue. However, in 3D mammography, the chances of exposure to a high radiation beam are less than the standard mammography.
Cons Of 3D Mammography
3D mammography is one of the most effective techniques to detect and treat cancer development in a female body. With being incredibly beneficial in eliminating the risk of breast cancer, the technique has a few drawbacks.
Costly
There are no second thoughts that 3D mammography is used to give clear breast tissue images. Hence, it is costly, and not everyone can afford it. But on the other hand, standard mammography is cost-efficient as compared to 3D mammography. Hence there is a vast difference in the results as well.
Rupturing Of Cancer Cells & Spreading Of Cancer
Rupturing of cancer cells triggers the cancer spread and can be fatal for the patient. In 3D mammography, the breasts are compressed against the compression plates of the mammogram to create a detailed image of breast tissue. The pressure caused by this compression can trigger the rupturing of cancer cells, leading to the cancer spreading. According to research, women have stated that the compression of both breasts against compression seems uncomfortable and painful.
The Accuracy Of The Result Depends On The Radiologist
Like any diagnosis result, there is some uncertainty associated with the final result of the 3D mammography. However, the detection of cancer and its signs depends on the skills of your doctor and the radiologist. Sometimes, the cancer growth is not observed in the final results of 3D mammography. The reason can be that cancer growth is quite slow.
3D Mammography Is Not For Older Women
For women who have crossed their 40s 3D mammography is the best option for initial breast cancer screening. However, for women above 55 years, 3D mammography is not recommended. This is because it has been proved that this technique does not help in recognizing cancer growth and development in females of this age group.
The Conclusion
Breast cancer is a common condition arising in females above 40 years. Cancer growth and development can be detected through 3D mammography. It helps in getting a clear idea of the health of breast tissues. The screening technique is costly but is more accurate in terms of providing accurate results.
Women above 60 years are recommended not to get this test conducted. There are several reasons behind it. First, the risk of being older detects usually outweighs the benefits of 3D mammography.
Apart from several pros of breast screening, there are some drawbacks. First, beginning with the technique is extremely costly. In addition, it risks cell rupturing and spreading cancer growth.