Tomo Predominant Finding on Mammography

IMAGING FINDINGS: ​

​Standard Craniocaudal (CC) and Mediolateral Oblique (MLO) views of the left breast (A and B) demonstrate heterogeneously dense breast tissue with no definite abnormality. Selected Craniocaudal tomosynthesis image (C.) shows an irregular spiculated mass in the lateral left breast. 

WHY IT MATTERS:

1. Some findings show up only (or primarily) on the tomosynthesis images. Studies have shown that up to 8 – 10% of malignancies are primarily visible on the tomo images.  Tomosynthesis is a better mammogram, it finds more cancers!
2. An abnormality identified only on the tomo images may require tomo to be used for the extra-views or for the final intervention.

​​FURTHER READING:
Outcome of Architectural Distortion Detected Only at Breast Tomosynthesis versus 2D Mammography (Radiology 2018)