Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Breast, MR, Ultrasound, Mammography, Technical aspects, Technology assessment, Education, Neoplasia
Authors:
A. C. Pereira; PhD in Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior/PT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-1771
Background
The unifying principle in breast cancer screening is that early diagnosis can result in decreased patient morbidity and mortality.The imaging of breast cancer has undertaken significant progression in recent years.
Although mammography is the mainstay of early breast cancer detection and with ultrasound and physical breast examination saves lives,
it is not perfect and it has known limitations,
about 10–15% of cancers are missed due to a variety of reasons including observer error,
often because the cancer is hidden by dense normal parenchymal tissue.
As a result,
additional imaging modalities are also being used.
A multimodality approach is often required.
Recent technological advancements in breast imaging modalities are continuing to improve image quality to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of breast cancer detection,
staging,
and treatment.
Some of the more promising new breast imaging technologies include digital mammography (DM),
breast tomosynthesis (BT),
and new uses for breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.
Emerging technologies include contrast mammography; nuclear imaging modalities such as breast positron emission tomography (PET) and scintimammography; near infrared optical imaging platforms; new applications for breast thermography; and bioelectrical imaging technologies.