Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Availability in Lethbridge, Alberta
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is not specifically available in Lethbridge, Alberta according to the available evidence. You would need to contact local imaging centers or hospitals directly to determine availability in your area.
Understanding Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
- Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is an advanced 3D mammography technique that creates thin-section reconstructed images, decreasing the lesion-masking effect of overlapping normal tissue 1
- DBT allows better visualization and characterization of breast lesions compared to conventional 2D mammography, improving detection of non-calcified lesions 1
- DBT has been shown to be particularly useful in diagnostic settings for women with dense breast tissue and for evaluating palpable breast masses 1
Clinical Applications of DBT
- DBT is rated as "usually appropriate" (rating 8/9) for diagnostic evaluation of palpable breast masses in women 30-39 years of age 1
- DBT is also rated as "usually appropriate" for women ≥40 years with palpable breast masses 1
- For women younger than 30 years, DBT is generally "not appropriate" (rating 3/9) unless clinical examination is highly suspicious and breasts are dense 1
Benefits of DBT in Clinical Practice
- DBT improves lesion characterization in non-calcified lesions compared to conventional mammographic workup 1, 2
- Several studies have demonstrated that DBT has promising results for women presenting with clinical symptoms including palpable lumps 1
- The diagnostic accuracy of one-view breast tomosynthesis has been demonstrated to be equivalent to or better than supplemental diagnostic mammographic views 1
Considerations for DBT Access
- Centers offering DBT should also offer DBT-guided interventions for findings not otherwise identifiable, either at the same center or at a connected facility 1
- Currently, few centers are equipped with devices for DBT-guided interventions 1
- The Italian College of Breast Radiologists recommends DBT usage for all cases of symptomatic women and women needing work-up of screen-detected suspicious findings 1
Next Steps to Find DBT Services
- Contact local hospitals and imaging centers in Lethbridge to inquire about DBT availability
- Consider reaching out to larger medical centers in nearby cities like Calgary or Edmonton if DBT is not available locally
- Consult with your primary care physician or specialist for referrals to facilities that offer DBT services