Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis is an advanced breast imaging exam used for the screening and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, allowing a more detailed assessment of breast tissue.
At X-Clinic, in Lisbon, you can undergo Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis in a differentiated clinical setting, with technology dedicated to breast assessment and a team prepared to support each stage of the exam.
What is Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis and what is it for?
Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is an evolution of digital mammography. Like conventional mammography, it uses low-dose X-rays, but allows the breast to be assessed in greater detail.
In 2D mammography, breast tissue is represented in a flat image, which may make it more difficult to visualise small abnormalities when structures overlap. With tomosynthesis, several images are acquired from different angles and then reconstructed into thin slices, allowing the radiologist to assess the breast layer by layer.
This exam is used for breast cancer screening, the assessment of breast symptoms, the study of dense breasts and the clarification of changes detected in previous exams.
Early diagnosis is essential, as when breast cancer is identified at an early stage, before it has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, treatment options are generally more favourable.
Advantages of 3D Mammography over Conventional Mammography
The main advantage of Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis is the possibility of analysing breast tissue in different planes, reducing the overlapping effect that may occur in conventional mammography.
This technology represents an important advance in breast assessment, allowing a more precise and complete reading of breast tissue.
How much does Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis cost?
The private price for Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis should be confirmed at the time of booking. However, X-Clinic has the following agreements:
- ADSE: the patient only pays the co-payment of €16;
- ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
- Insurance providers: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, other insurance providers;
- Health plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans.
The final price varies depending on the health system, insurance provider or health plan you wish to use.
How is it performed?
Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis is performed in a similar way to a conventional mammogram.
During the exam, the breast is positioned in the equipment and compressed for a few seconds. This compression is necessary to obtain high-quality images, reduce movement and improve diagnostic accuracy.
While the breast is compressed, the equipment acquires several images from different angles. These images are then reconstructed into thin slices, allowing a three-dimensional assessment of breast tissue.
The exam is quick. It may cause some discomfort due to compression, but this moment is brief. If you feel significant pain during the exam, you should inform the technical team.
After the images are acquired, they are analysed by a radiologist, who prepares the corresponding report.
What can it detect?
Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis helps detect and characterise different breast abnormalities, including:
- breast nodules or masses;
- microcalcifications;
- asymmetries between the breasts;
- architectural distortions in the breast;
- changes suspicious for breast cancer;
- lesions that may be hidden by overlapping tissue;
- benign changes requiring follow-up or clarification;
- findings that may require complementary exams, such as breast ultrasound, breast MRI or biopsy.
3D mammography has strengthened breast cancer screening by helping to identify abnormalities that may be less evident on conventional mammography.
Clinical studies show that this technology can detect cancers that, in some cases, would be more difficult to identify with 2D mammography alone. The first breast tomosynthesis systems received FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval in 2011.
In which cases is it indicated?
Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis may be indicated in several situations, namely:
- breast cancer screening;
- breast assessment before the usual screening age, when there is a clinical indication, symptoms, family history or increased individual risk;
- assessment of dense breasts;
- evaluation of a nodule or palpable abnormality;
- localised breast pain;
- nipple changes;
- nipple discharge;
- clarification of changes found in previous exams;
- follow-up after breast surgery;
- follow-up after cancer treatment;
- personal or family history of breast cancer;
- need for a more detailed assessment compared with conventional mammography.
The indication for the exam should always take into account age, clinical history, symptoms, family history and previous exams.
Preparing for Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis
Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis does not usually require any specific prior preparation. However, to ensure image quality and make the exam easier to perform, please note the following:
- On the day of the exam, do not apply deodorant, cream, perfume, talcum powder or lotions to the breast or underarm area.
- Bring the exam prescription, if applicable, especially if you are having the exam through an insurance provider, agreement or health subsystem.
- Bring previous breast exams, such as mammograms, breast ultrasounds, MRI scans or reports.
- Inform the team if you are pregnant, if there is a possibility of pregnancy, if you are breastfeeding, if you have breast implants or if you have previously undergone breast surgery.
- Comfortable clothing is recommended, preferably two separate pieces, to make it easier to remove only the upper garment.
- Fasting is not required.
If you have any questions or relevant clinical information, please communicate it before the exam.
When and how will I receive the results?
After Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis is performed, the images are analysed by a radiologist, who prepares the corresponding report.
At the time of the exam, the team will inform you when and how you will be able to access your results.
Where to have it done?
Mammography with 3D Tomosynthesis can be performed at X-Clinic (Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco, nº 26 – mezzanine floor, 1070-110 Lisbon) or at NRD (Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, ground floor, 1070-060 Lisbon – next to Praça de Espanha).