Three-dimensional (3D) mammography, also known as digital tomosynthesis, creates images in a similar ways as a computed tomography (CT) scanners, which are used by doctors to get detailed pictures of bone, lung tissue, soft tissue, and blood vessels. Breast tomosynthesis is currently being studied in a number of clinical trials. It was approved for use by the FDA in 2011 and is offered by some breast cancer screening programs, typically at research hospitals. In these centers, it is used in addition to regular mammography. At this time, tomosynthesis should not be used instead of 2D mammography.
