The prominent shift in mammography technology has seen the emergence of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems, popularly known as 3D mammography, overtaking the long-standing standard of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) within breast imaging. According to the FDA’s MQSA statistics as of January 2023, DBT systems now constitute 46% of mammography systems in the U.S., with approximately 1,000 new tomo breast imaging systems integrated each year, suggesting a foreseeable replacement of the majority of FFDM mammography systems within the coming decade.
The growing adoption of 3D mammography is primarily due to its capacity to view the breast in layered slices akin to a CT scan. This ability allows for a detailed examination, distinguishing suspicious areas from overlapping dense breast tissue, aiding in more precise decision-making regarding additional imaging or biopsy procedures.
Dr. John Lewin, President of the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) and associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine, highlights the widespread integration of DBT, acknowledging the transition from FFDM to DBT as the primary imaging approach in many centers, especially academic and specialized breast centers.
Dr. Constance “Connie” Lehman, Chief of Breast Imaging at the Massachusetts General Hospital, praises the advantages of 3D tomosynthesis, particularly in uncovering hidden cancers within dense breast areas, emphasizing its pivotal role in early detection.
Initially, the slow adoption of DBT was attributed to reimbursement limitations. However, with changes in reimbursement, centers find it more feasible to invest in these advanced systems. Dr. Stamatia Destounis, a radiologist at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in New York, notes the swift and widespread implementation of tomosynthesis across various facilities, showcasing a rapid transition from FFDM to DBT systems.
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