Re-excision rates reduced with the help of digital breast tomosynthesis

Alessia Milan, PhD, MS, from the University of Turin in Italy, presented a study about digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) emerging as a promising technology when it comes to surgical planning, because it presents a better view of lesion margins than mammography alone.

Milan shared her findings from the 5-year study at the European Congress of Radiology. The study included 925 breast cancer patients to demonstrate how the use of DBT could reduce re-excision rates by up to 50 percent.

"Margin status is one of the most important predictors for local recurrence following breast cancer surgery, and accurate preoperative staging helps to plan appropriate surgical treatment and reduce the consequences of re-excision," said Milan at the European Congress of Radiology meeting. "These consequences can include emotional burden for the patient, a worse cosmetic outcome, and higher costs."

The Mozart System with TomoSpec Technology from Kubtec is one of the latest tools to use digital tomosynthesis to drive a reduction in positive margins. This device uses 3D tomosynthesis technology to reduce interference by digitally removing overlying or underlying tissue in one-millimeter slices. Any potential extensions of the cancer will be seen more precisely, helping decrease the risk of positive margins and optimizing the cosmetic outcome of the procedure.