Digital Mammography and Tomosynthesis in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Digital Mammography and Tomosynthesis Technologies

Cancer is a fatal disease affecting millions of people worldwide, and early diagnosis combined with appropriate treatment methods can significantly increase patients' survival rates and quality of life. In this context, advances in medical technology play a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Innovations in radiology, particularly digital mammography and tomosynthesis methods used in breast cancer diagnosis, enable earlier and more accurate cancer detection. In this article we have prepared for you, we will provide information about what digital mammography and tomosynthesis technologies are, in which situations they are applied, and their contributions to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

What is Digital Mammography?

Digital mammography is an advanced breast cancer screening and diagnostic method compared to traditional mammography techniques. In this method, low-dose X-rays are used to detect abnormalities in breast tissue, and the obtained images are transferred to a digital platform. Digital mammography provides sharper and clearer images compared to conventional mammography, thereby helping doctors diagnose early stages of the disease more easily and accurately.

What is Tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis is a screening method used together with digital mammography that enables obtaining three-dimensional images. In this method, the X-ray source and detector move in a circular motion around the breast and capture images of the breast tissue from different angles. These images are subsequently combined using computer programs to create a three-dimensional image. Tomosynthesis provides more accurate and earlier diagnosis opportunities, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.

In Which Situations is Digital Mammography Applied?

Digital mammography is primarily used in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. It is recommended to be performed routinely every year or every two years in women aged 40 and older. Additionally, in women with a higher risk of breast cancer due to family history, genetic factors, or other risk factors, it may be applied at earlier ages and at shorter intervals upon the doctor's recommendation. Digital mammography can also be used in evaluating symptoms such as breast pain, lumps, and swelling, as well as in monitoring patients during the treatment process.

How is Digital Mammography Performed?

Digital mammography is an advanced imaging technique used to detect abnormalities in breast tissue and cancer cells. It provides more sensitive and accurate results compared to conventional film-based mammography. The digital mammography procedure can be outlined as follows:

First, the patient's medical history and results of any previous mammographic examinations are reviewed. The patient removes metal accessories and undresses from the waist up, wearing a hospital gown.

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

The patient stands in front of the mammography device, and her breast is positioned between the compression paddle and the digital detector. Compression aims to flatten the breast tissue to obtain clearer images and reduce radiation dose.

The technologist operates the device, sending low-dose X-rays to the breast tissue. As X-rays pass through the tissues, they are absorbed at different rates and captured by the digital detector.

The digital detector converts 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 obtained images to search for abnormalities and signs of cancer. If necessary, additional images can be obtained or other diagnostic methods may be applied.

In Which Situations is Tomosynthesis Applied?

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

• In women with dense breast tissue,

• To provide additional information for cancer diagnosis,

• For monitoring cancer treatment,

What are the Advantages of Tomosynthesis?

The advantages provided by the tomosynthesis method can be explained as follows:

• Tomosynthesis enables obtaining 3D images, allowing for clearer and more detailed visualization of abnormalities in breast tissue.

• Tomosynthesis helps in earlier detection of cancer cells, which increases the chances of treatment success.

• Compared to conventional mammography, tomosynthesis produces fewer false-positive results and prevents unnecessary biopsy and treatment procedures.

• Tomosynthesis provides a safer diagnostic method by using low-dose radiation.

• Tomosynthesis produces faster results compared to digital mammography and provides a less stressful experience for the patient.

How is Tomosynthesis Mammography Performed?

The tomosynthesis mammography procedure is performed through a process similar to digital mammography. Before the procedure, the patient must remove her upper clothing and assume the correct position in front of the mammography device under the guidance of the radiology technologist.

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 captured from different angles and processed on the computer to obtain a three-dimensional image. A slight discomfort may be felt during the procedure, but it is generally not a painful procedure.

Advantages of Tomosynthesis Mammography

The tomosynthesis mammography method has many advantages compared to conventional mammography. These advantages can be explained as follows:

Tomosynthesis mammography obtains three-dimensional images of the breast, allowing masses and abnormalities to be visualized more clearly. This makes early-stage breast cancer diagnosis easier and more accurate.

Tomosynthesis mammography produces fewer false-positive results compared to conventional mammography. This prevents unnecessary biopsy and treatment procedures, thereby improving patients' quality of life.

Dense breast tissue makes visualization of masses and abnormalities difficult in conventional mammography. Tomosynthesis mammography provides clearer and more accurate results in women with dense breast tissue, increasing the chances of early diagnosis.

Tomosynthesis mammography is an effective and reliable imaging method used in early diagnosis of breast cancer. By providing more sensitive and accurate results compared to conventional mammography, it has positive effects on patients' survival rate and quality of life. Tomosynthesis mammography is particularly important in early diagnosis and treatment processes in women with dense breast tissue.

Digital Mammography and Mammography Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has gained international recognition through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. Particularly, the latest technological devices used in diagnostic and treatment procedures have become a beacon of hope for many diseases. Moreover, an increase has been observed in medical tourism to Turkey.

The reasons for preference include:

• Large, clean, spacious hospitals that are fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and patient care attendants being friendly and compassionate,

• Quick and accurate answers to questions asked,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company assisting the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering opportunities for vacation with its natural and historical beauty,

• Ease of transportation,

• Meeting diagnostic, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation needs at affordable prices,

Patients and their relatives wishing to come to Turkey for tomosynthesis digital mammography and mammography treatment conduct research regarding prices in Turkey. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide exact price information. Many factors affect pricing, such as the type and stage of the disease, diagnostic process, treatment process, and duration of stay in Turkey. If you wish to obtain more detailed price information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our mediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter sent to the consulate by us.