Computed Tomography Versus Standard 2D Mammography Versus 3D Tomosynthesis

The breast is positioned and compressed the same way it is in a conventional mammogram using a compression paddle device. The subject will be instructed to hold their breath and not move during the 7- second 3-D tomosynthesis acquisition. The affected breast is positioned with MLO compression. The radiation dose levels for each scan are equivalent to mammography

"CT scanning will be performed before and after I.V. iodine contrast injection. The subject will lie prone on a large table (which is covered by a foam pad), and she will place the breast to be scanned in a small hole in that tabletop. The hole is surrounded by a soft neoprene hammock, which will allow the subject's entire upper torso to slump into the scan plane of the device. After positioning of the affected breast by a female mammography technologist, the subject will be instructed to hold their breath for 16 seconds and the pre-contrast scan will commence. There will be no breast compression. Other than the sound of the relatively noisy x-ray system in the room, the subject will not feel or sense any aspect of this scan."