Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print New mammography technology effective in detecting breast cancer

New mammography technology effective in detecting breast cancer

December 02, 2008

CHICAGO - A study has found that positron emission mammography (PEM), a new technique for imaging the breast, is not affected by either breast density or a woman's hormonal status, two factors that limit the effectiveness of standard mammography and MRI at detecting cancer. Results will be presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"The ability of PEM to detect cancer does not appear to be adversely affected by breast density, hormone replacement therapy or menopausal status," said lead researcher Kathy Schilling, M.D., director of breast imaging and intervention at the Center for Breast Care at Boca Raton Community Hospital in Florida. "The sensitivity of PEM is equal to or better than breast MRI, and PEM has fewer false-positive results."




The ability of x-ray mammography, a standard screening tool for breast cancer, to detect lesions is reduced when performed on dense breasts, where tissue is less fatty and more glandular. Breast MRI is effective at detecting cancer in dense breasts and is increasingly being used to screen women at high risk for breast cancer. However, MRI has a high incidence of false-positive test results that indicate cancer is present when it is not. Researchers believe these false positives are due in part to hormonal changes that occur during a woman's menstrual cycle.

"Unless the MRI is performed on day seven through 14 of a woman's cycle, reading MRI images is extremely difficult," Dr. Schilling said. "This is a significant problem with breast MRI."

Because hormones do not have the same effect on PEM results, Dr. Schilling believes the imaging technique could play a significant role both in preoperatively evaluating breast cancer patients and in screening high-risk patients.

In the study, 208 patients with breast cancer underwent PEM, an application of high-resolution breast positron emission tomography (PET) in which a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the body to measure metabolic activity and determine the presence of disease. The researchers used a PET unit specially developed for the breast and small body parts to perform the PEM exam.

Of 189 malignant lesions imaged, PEM detected 176 for an overall sensitivity rate of 93 percent. Fifteen percent were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive cancer confined to the ducts of the breast; 85 percent were invasive cancer.

PEM successfully detected cancer in 100 percent of fatty breasts, 93 percent of dense breasts, 85 percent of extremely dense breasts, 93 percent of women both with and without a history of hormone replacement therapy, 90 percent of pre-menopausal women and 94 percent of post-menopausal women.

According to Dr. Schilling, PEM is well tolerated by patients, who sit upright during the exam and are not alone or closely confined as they would be during an MRI exam. While breast MRI exams produce more than 2,000 images to be interpreted, PEM produces just 48 images that can be correlated with a woman's mammogram.

"PEM is easier to use, easier to interpret and easier on the patients than MRI," Dr. Shilling said.

"It is also ideal for those patients whose MRI is difficult to interpret due to hormonal influences, women with implants, patients with metal in their bodies, or patients who suffer from claustrophobia. It is exciting that we now have a functional imaging approach with high sensitivity that compliments our current anatomic imaging modalities," she added.

Radiological Society of North America



Related Mammography Current Events and Mammography News Articles Mammography Current Events and Mammography News RSS Mammography Current Events and Mammography News RSS
Scientists 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)

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

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

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)

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.

FRONT OPENING MAMMOGRAPHY Hospital Gowns (2pk), Blue

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''

Practical Digital Mammography

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 Cape One size fits most - Case (705NBL)

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.

Genitourinary Trauma Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department/Breast Cancer Screening By Mammography Is It Effective in Women Under Age 50? (NCME Video 673)

Genitourinary Trauma Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department/Breast Cancer Screening By Mammography Is It Effective in Women Under Age 50? (NCME Video 673)
Also With: Network For Continuing Medical Education (Primary Contributor), Robert E Schneider (Primary Contributor), Barbara K Rimer (Primary Contributor)

Program I (30 min.) -- Genitourinary injury is often very subtle and sometimes not apparent until several hours after it occurs. This program reviews the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of both upper and lower genitourinary trauma in the acute care setting. Program II (12 min.) -- The questions of which women to screen for breast cancer by mammography, at what age, and how often have generated more controversy than perhaps any other medical intervention. This program reviews the data on screening women under age 50 and attempts to provide an evidence-based foundation for informed decision-making by health care professionals.

Mammography Exam Review

Mammography Exam Review
by Delmar

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 readers understanding of this specialized skill.

Teaching Atlas of Mammography

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:
* The most comprehensive atlas of its kind, based on 80,000 mammographic screening examinations
* Offers a proven, two-step method of analyzing plain film mammograms
* Produced in an oversized format that allows for exquisitely clear reproduction of images and makes obscure lesions easy to locate
* Includes an abundance of coned-down compression views, microfocus magnification views, and specimen radiographs
* Contains hundreds of practice...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com