3-D mammography (Selenia Dimensions System)

Last week, the FDA approved the first 3-D mammography system called the Selenia Dimensions System by Hologic Inc.

The Selenia Dimensions System, an upgrade to Hologic’s existing FDA-approved 2-D system, can provide 2-D and 3-D X-ray images of the breasts. The 3-D images may help physicians more accurately detect and diagnose breast cancer.

“Physicians can now access this unique and innovative 3-D technology that could significantly enhance existing diagnosis and treatment approaches,” said Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Now, the combination of the Selenia’s 2-D and 3-D images doubled the radiation dose the patient received. However, it also improved the accuracy with which radiologists detected cancers.



So many things in the world of radiology are moving towards 3-D. It won't be long before we see almost every medical image appearing as high-resolution 3-D models. What's going to be next in medical 3-D imaging? We already have 3-D ultrasound (is this improving accuracy when we're looking at fetal ultrasound images to determine gender?).