What type of tool is DBT considered?

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is considered a screening tool primarily used to enhance the detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. This technology creates a three-dimensional image of the breast, allowing radiologists to identify abnormalities more accurately and reducing the likelihood of false positives compared to traditional two-dimensional mammography.

DBT is designed to improve the sensitivity of breast cancer detection, particularly in women with dense breast tissue, where traditional screening might miss tumors. The process involves acquiring multiple X-ray images of the breast from different angles and reconstructing them into a 3D view, which provides a clearer picture of the tissue structure.

In addition, because DBT is specifically utilized in the screening context to identify potential breast cancers in women who do not present any symptoms, it serves as a proactive measure to find cancers at an early stage, when they are more treatable. Thus, categorizing DBT as a screening tool accurately reflects its primary use in clinical practice.