FDA approves first 3-D mammography device
THE FOOD and Drug Administration said on Friday it has approved the first mammography device that generates 3-D images of the breast, potentially helping doctors spot more cancerous tumours.
The Selenia Dimensions System from Hologic Inc. offers both 2-D and 3-D X-ray images, providing additional viewpoints of the breast.
The FDA says the new system doubles the radiation exposure for patients, but also increases the accuracy of diagnosis. As a result, fewer women are expected to undergo additional scans.
“Physicians can now access this unique and innovative 3-D technology that could significantly enhance diagnosis and treatment approaches,” said Jeffrey Shuren, director of the FDA’s device division, in a statement.
The FDA approved the device based on two studies in which X-ray specialists demonstrated a 7 per cent improvement in spotting cancerous tumours when viewing images from Hologic’s device, compared with traditional 2-D images. Such images can cause visibility problems due to overlapping skin, which can hide tumours or create the appearance of tumours where there are none.
Approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The institute recommends women ages 40 and older have a mammogram every one to two years.
The Selenia device is already approved in Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Hologic is based in Bedford, Mass. Company shares rose 36 cents to $20.09 in afternoon trading.
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