Answer to Question #15076 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Patient Issues — Diagnostic X Ray and CT

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

I need to get a mammogram. Which breast imaging procedure has the lowest radiation dose? Is it 2D mammogram, 3D mammogram, or digital breast tomosynthesis? I want accurate results, but I am also looking for the lowest dose radiation.

A

Mammograms, whether 2D or 3D (also known as tomosynthesis), deliver very low radiation doses. While the 3D mammogram can use a higher radiation dose than 2D, they are often the same or lower dose, depending on the machine and settings used. Some facilities take both 2D and 3D mammograms to get the benefits of each, which results in a dose approximately twice what you would get from either exam alone. Some equipment can produce the 2D images from the 3D scan to provide the benefit of both with the radiation dose of just the 3D scan. You would need to ask the center where you will have your mammogram about the options they offer, and the typical doses associated with each.

Only you can decide what is the best option for you. However, a recent large study showed that more breast cancers are found with 3D mammograms, and the false-positive rate is lower resulting in fewer additional tests.

Whichever type of mammogram you choose to have, the dose and risk will be very low, and there is a significant benefit to early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Deirdre H. Elder, MS, CHP, CMLSO

Answer posted on 12 September 2023. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society.