Medical Technologies Used in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment – Radiology – Digital Mammography and Tomosynthesis

Cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of people around the world, and early detection and the right treatment methods can significantly improve the length and quality of life of patients. In this context, the development of medical technologies is of great importance in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Innovations in the field of radiology, especially digital mammography and tomosynthesis methods used in breast cancer diagnosis, enable earlier and more accurate cancer diagnosis. In this article, we will try to give you information about what digital mammography and tomosynthesis technologies are, in which cases they are applied and their contribution to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Digital Mammography?

Digital mammography is a more advanced breast cancer screening and diagnosis method than traditional mammography methods. In this method, low-dose X-rays are used to detect abnormalities in breast tissue and the images obtained are digitized. Digital mammography provides sharper and clearer images than traditional mammography, helping doctors to more easily and accurately diagnose the early stages of the disease.

What Is Tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis is a screening method used in conjunction with digital mammography to obtain three-dimensional images. In this method, the X-ray source and detector move in a circular motion around the breast and take images of the breast tissue from different angles. These images are then combined with computer programs to create a three-dimensional image. Tomosynthesis provides more accurate and early diagnosis, especially in women with dense breast tissue.

In Which Cases Is Digital Mammography Used?

Digital mammography is primarily used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. For women aged 40 and over, it is recommended to be performed routinely every year or every two years. It can also be performed at an earlier age and at frequent intervals on the recommendation of the doctor in women at high risk of breast cancer due to family history, genetic factors, or other risk factors. Digital mammography can also be used to evaluate symptoms such as breast pain, lumps and swelling and to follow up patients undergoing treatment.

How Is Digital Mammography Performed?

Digital mammography is an advanced imaging technique used to detect abnormalities and cancerous cells in breast tissue. It provides more sensitive and accurate results than traditional film-based mammography. The application process for digital mammography can be listed as follows;

First, the patient’s background and previous mammography results are examined. The patient removes her metal accessories and undresses and puts on a hospital gown.

The radiology technician adjusts the height and angle of the device to ensure patient comfort. The digital mammography machine consists of an X-ray tube, a compression plate and a digital detector.

The patient stands in front of the mammography machine and her breast is placed between the compression plate and the digital detector. Compression aims to flatten the breast tissue to produce clearer images and reduce the radiation dose.

The technician turns on the device and sends a low dose of X-rays into the breast tissue. The X-rays are absorbed at different rates as they pass through the tissues and are captured by the digital detector.

The digital detector converts the X-rays into electronic signals and transmits them to the computer. The computer processes these signals to create digital mammography images.

The radiologist examines the resulting images to look for abnormalities and signs of cancer. If necessary, additional images can be taken or other diagnostic methods can be applied.

In Which Cases Is Tomosynthesis Performed?

Tomosynthesis is considered an advanced version of digital mammography and provides 3D images. This method can be used in the following cases:

• Women with dense breast tissue,
• To provide additional information for cancer diagnosis,
• For the monitoring of cancer treatment,

What Are The Advantages of Tomosynthesis?

The advantages of tomosynthesis can be explained as follows;

• Tomosynthesis makes it possible to obtain 3D images, making it possible to see abnormalities in breast tissue more clearly and in detail.
• Tomosynthesis helps detect cancerous cells earlier, which increases the chances of treatment success.
• Compared to conventional mammography, tomosynthesis has fewer false positives and avoids unnecessary biopsies and treatment.
• Tomosynthesis offers a safer diagnostic method using low doses of radiation.
• Tomosynthesis provides faster results than digital mammography and provides a less stressful experience for the patient.

How is Tomosynthesis Mammography Performed?

Tomosynthesis mammography is performed using a process similar to digital mammography. Prior to the procedure, the patient will need to remove her upper garments and take the correct position in front of the mammography machine, accompanied by a radiology technician.

During the procedure, the breasts will be compressed and the X-ray tube of the device will rotate in a circular motion around the breast. During this rotation, images of the breast are taken from different angles and processed on the computer to produce a 3D image. There may be slight discomfort during the procedure, but it is not usually painful.

Advantages of Tomosynthesis Mammography

Tomosynthesis mammography has many advantages over conventional mammography. These advantages can be explained as follows;

Tomosynthesis mammography provides a clearer view of masses and abnormalities by obtaining 3D images of the breast. In this way, early-stage breast cancer can be diagnosed more easily and accurately.

Tomosynthesis mammography gives fewer false positives than conventional mammography. This prevents unnecessary biopsy and treatment procedures and improves the quality of life of patients.

Dense breast tissue makes it difficult to see masses and abnormalities on conventional mammography. Tomosynthesis mammography provides clearer and more accurate results in women with dense breast tissue, increasing the chance of early detection.

Tomosynthesis mammography is an effective and reliable imaging method for early detection of breast cancer. It provides more precise and accurate results than traditional mammography and has a positive impact on a patient’s life expectancy and quality of life. Tomosynthesis mammography is of great importance in early diagnosis and treatment processes, especially in women with dense breast tissue.

Tomosynthesis Digital Mammography and Mammography Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Tomosynthesis Digital Mammography and Mammography Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.