 |
|
Cone-Beam CT faster, potentially more accurate than conventional mammography
December 28, 2007Cone-beam breast CT provides exceptional tissue contrast and can potentially reduce examination time with comparable radiation dose to conventional 2D mammography, according to a new study by a team of researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Cone-beam breast CT employs a large area x-ray beam in conjunction with a flat panel x-ray detector to scan and generate 3D images of the breast. The scanner is placed below a table on which the patient lies prone with the breast protruding through an opening. Only the breast is exposed to radiation resulting in improved image quality and sparing the rest of the patient's body from unnecessary radiation exposure. The scan can be completed in less than one minute with a single complete rotation of the x-ray tube-detector gantry around the breast. Unlike conventional CT, the patient is not moved through the gantry during scanning.
For the study, the researchers used cone-beam CT on 12 mastectomy specimens. The researchers discovered that structured noise on cone-beam CT was minimal because of the absence of overlapping tissue; that breast anatomy was well resolved on all images as skin, adipose, and glandular regions; and that microcalcifications within cancers were clearly shown. In addition, they discovered that the detection of cancers based on morphologic assessment of tissue structures could potentially be improved compared with mammography because of the lack of overlapping glandular tissue.
Conventional 2D mammography is currently the most prevalent imaging technique for screening and diagnosis of breast cancers. However, the 2D projection images can overlap normal tissue, soft tissue masses, and calcifications and affect the detection and visualization of cancer. "Despite the advantage of excellent spatial resolution, conventional mammography is unable to diagnose all cancers, especially early cancers in dense breasts, and cancers in high risk women such as genetic carriers," said Wei Tse Yang, MD, lead author of the study.
The researchers believe that cone-beam CT may potentially be used to replace mammography in screening and diagnostic breast imaging. "In addition to overcoming the problem of overlapping breast tissue, cone-beam breast CT has the ability to provide true 3D images of the breast that may help depict the 3D morphology and distribution of lesions, and that may provide incremental benefit in the differentiation of abnormalities from background breast tissue. In addition, the multiplanar high-resolution surveys it provides are at a radiation dose comparable to routine mammography," said Dr. Yang.
Besides those benefits of cone-beam breast CT, the researchers pointed out others, as well. "Scanning using this method takes less than one minute. This compares with 40 minutes for breast MRI, and 10 minutes for mammography. It also eliminates the discomfort associated with compression during mammography and the problem of claustrophobia during MRI," said Dr. Yang.
The full results of this study appear in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology, published by the American Roentgen Ray Society.
American Roentgen Ray Society
Conventional 2D mammography is currently the most prevalent imaging technique for screening and diagnosis of breast cancers. However, the 2D projection images can overlap normal tissue, soft tissue masses, and calcifications and affect the detection and visualization of cancer. "Despite the advantage of excellent spatial resolution, conventional mammography is unable to diagnose all cancers, especially early cancers in dense breasts, and cancers in high risk women such as genetic carriers," said Wei Tse Yang, MD, lead author of the study.
The researchers believe that cone-beam CT may potentially be used to replace mammography in screening and diagnostic breast imaging. "In addition to overcoming the problem of overlapping breast tissue, cone-beam breast CT has the ability to provide true 3D images of the breast that may help depict the 3D morphology and distribution of lesions, and that may provide incremental benefit in the differentiation of abnormalities from background breast tissue. In addition, the multiplanar high-resolution surveys it provides are at a radiation dose comparable to routine mammography," said Dr. Yang.
Besides those benefits of cone-beam breast CT, the researchers pointed out others, as well. "Scanning using this method takes less than one minute. This compares with 40 minutes for breast MRI, and 10 minutes for mammography. It also eliminates the discomfort associated with compression during mammography and the problem of claustrophobia during MRI," said Dr. Yang.
The full results of this study appear in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology, published by the American Roentgen Ray Society.
American Roentgen Ray Society
Mammography Current Events and Mammography News RSSScientists uncover new key to the puzzle of hormone therapy and breast cancer
The use of postmenopausal hormone therapy has decreased over time in the United States, which researchers suggest may play a key role in the declining rate of atypical ductal hyperplasia, a known risk factor for breast cancer.
Researcher: 'Optical biopsy' for breast cancer increasingly accurate
But women may not have to endure the medical costs, stress and potential complications that accompany such invasive biopsies forever. A University of Florida biomedical engineering researcher is making progress on an "optical biopsy" that has the potential to determine whether growths are cancerous without ever puncturing the skin.
URI research couple's method targets cancerous tumors
Two University of Rhode Island associate professors, biophysicists Yana Reshetnyak and Oleg Andreev, have discovered a technology that can detect cancerous tumors and deliver treatment to them without the harming the healthy cells surrounding them, thereby significantly reducing side effects.
Study finds delay in follow-up among African-American women receiving abnormal breast finding
A new analysis has identified a significant delay in follow-up times among African-American women after the finding of a suspicious breast abnormality.
New data: Hospital imaging centers poised to pull back, hitting patients hardest in rural areas
Survivors and patients with cancers and heart disease, along with patient advocate organizations and physicians, today urged policymakers to enhance early diagnosis of deadly diseases by preserving access to advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, in final health care reform legislation.
Breast tenderness during hormone replacement therapy linked to elevated cancer risk
Women who developed new-onset breast tenderness after starting estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy were at significantly higher risk for developing breast cancer than women on the combination therapy who didn't experience such tenderness, according to a new UCLA study.
Breast cancer patients with high risk gene diagnosed 6 years earlier than generation before
Women with a deleterious gene mutation are diagnosed with breast cancer six years earlier than relatives of the previous generation who also had the disease and/or ovarian cancer, according to new research from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Researchers fine-tune Diffuse Optical Tomography for breast cancer screening
Clemson University researchers in collaboration with researchers at the University of Bremen, Germany, are working to make the physical pain and discomfort of mammograms a thing of the past, while allowing for diagnostic imaging eventually to be done in a home setting.
Surgeons' unanimous consensus: Needle biopsy is gold standard for breast cancer diagnosis
A special report published in the October issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons indicates that an alarming 35% of initial diagnostic breast biopsies in the United States are still being done using unnecessary open surgical techniques.
Researchers believe hormone therapy should not be stopped prior to mammograms
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) are recommending that menopausal women on hormone therapy (HT) continue their treatment prior to having their annual mammogram screenings.
More Mammography Current Events and Mammography News Articles
 |
Lange Q&A: Mammography Examination, Second Edition (LANGE Q&A Allied Health) by Olive Peart (Author) Everything you need to ace the ARRT Mammography Exam in one complete study package! Two complete practice tests plus easy-to-read summaries of all the must-know concepts for the most thorough exam prep available anywhere! "Because this book is very up to date and covers a lot of material, it would be very useful for anyone preparing for the mammography board exam. 3 Stars."--Doody's Review Service Two practice tests in the book and on CD-ROM ensure that the real test is not your first test Questions on CD-ROM familiarizes you with the online testing experience ARRT-format questions prepare you for what you'll see on exam day Easy-to-read review of exam essentials boils down what you really must know Written by an experienced... |
 |
Mammography and Breast Imaging: Just The Facts by Olive Peart (Author) The perfect review tool for radiologic technologists certifying or recertifying. Following the guidelines specified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (AART) Exam, the book includes all breast imaging modalities and techniques as well as questions for self-assessment. |
 |
Mammography Exam Review by Jennifer R. Wagner (Author), Erica Koch Wight (Author) The complete review solution for registered radiologic technologists seeking advanced certification in mammography, Mammography Exam Review provides comprehensive practice questions written in the style of the ARRT examination. It is the only review product available with additional computerized practice opportunities to help you gain experience taking the exam in an electronic format. Chapters are designed to correlate to the American Registry of Radiologist Technologists’ newest content specifications. Coverage of breast anatomy, physiology, pathology, interventional procedures, mammographic techniques, and image evaluation will enhance the reader’s understanding of this specialized skill. |
 |
Breast Imaging Companion (Imaging Companion Series) by Gilda Cardenosa (Author) The top-selling title in our Imaging Companion Series is now in its revised, updated Third Edition. Featuring over 1,000 large, clear images accompanied by brief, bulleted "key facts," this how-to book provides everything readers need to obtain high-quality scans...correlate radiologic, pathologic, and clinical findings...and communicate the significance of imaging results to referring physicians. This edition has a new chapter on magnetic resonance imaging and new information on the ACR Ultrasound BI-RADS Lexicon; keloids and hypertrophic scars; cutaneous angiosarcoma; subareolar abscess; columnar alteration with prominent apical snouts and secretions (CAPSS); mucocele-like lesions; cat scratch disease; granulomatous mastitis; and granular cell tumor. |
 |
Teaching Atlas of Mammography by Laszlo Tabar (Author), Peter Dean (Author), Peter B. Dean (Author) In two bestselling editions, this cornerstone atlas has taught radiologists how to systematically analyze mammograms and arrive at a correct diagnosis. In this new third edition, conventional histology and full-color 3D images make mammographic findings even more understandable. Highlights of this classic text include: |
 |
FRONT OPENING MAMMOGRAPHY Hospital Gowns (2pk), Blue by Bhmedwear.com This criss-cross mammography gown with tieside closure, shown at left, opens in front for modesty during examinations. Concealed tie inside the gown keeps it securely fastened. Heavyweight Demure Cloth provides warmth and comfort. 70'' sweep, 44'' length, 11-1/2'' |
 |
Atlas of Mammography by Ellen Shaw deParedes (Author) Featuring over 1,500 mammographic images, this atlas is a comprehensive guide to interpreting mammograms. It presents the full spectrum of manifestations of breast diseases, as well as cases involving the postsurgical and augmented breast. Chapters are organized according to the pattern seen on the mammogram to develop readers' pattern recognition skills and to allow quick and complete definition of etiologies and clinical implications for a particular finding. This edition includes new chapters on the augmented breast, the role of ultrasound and MRI in breast imaging, and imaging-guided breast interventions. The terminology of the BI-RADS(R) lexicon is used throughout. |
 |
Practical Digital Mammography by Beverly Hashimoto (Author) Practical Digital Mammography provides breast imagers with a systematic, problem-solving approach to detecting and assessing the most subtle signs of breast cancer malignancies. The book opens with concise coverage of the fundamentals, including physics, equipment, and normal anatomy. Separate chapters provide straightforward descriptions and clear illustrations of the digital mammographic characteristics of benign and malignant calcifications, masses, asymmetry, and architectural distortion. The author presents the clinical workup of the most difficult mammographic findings and provides recommendations about the optimizing the techniques for localizing each finding.<br><br>Features:<br>*103 illustrated cases help readers gain a firm understanding of how to interpret... |
 |
Mammography Exam Secrets Study Guide: Mammography Test Review for the Mammography Exam by Mammography Exam Secrets Test Prep Team (Author) Mammography Exam Secrets helps you ace the Mammography Exam, without weeks and months of endless studying. Our comprehensive Mammography Exam Secrets study guide is written by our exam experts, who painstakingly researched every topic and concept that you need to know to ace your test. Our original research reveals specific weaknesses that you can exploit to increase your exam score more than you've ever imagined. Mammography Exam Secrets includes: The 5 Secret Keys to Mammography Exam Success: Time is Your Greatest Enemy, Guessing is Not Guesswork, Practice Smarter, Not Harder, Prepare, Don't Procrastinate, Test Yourself; A comprehensive General Strategy review including: Make Predictions, Answer the Question, Benchmark, Valid Information, Avoid 'Fact Traps', Milk the Question, The... |
 |
Mammography Cape One size fits most - Case (705NBL) by IS Distributed Our versatile mammography cape offers exceptional modesty. This cape provides fashion, comfort, and ease of use for exams. Lovely feminine print with convenient snap closure at neck will not interfere with exam. Can be worn throughout entire exam. Available now in Tile Blossom print. Constructed of a comfortable 50% polyester/50% cotton blend. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |