The corset (Modello per palpazione del seno da appendere, 3B Scientific®) is a unique and realistic cast of a female torso with medium-sized breasts used to teach and practice the breast self-examination test. The model is manufactured of 3B SKINlike™ silicone, which accurately reproduces the minute structures of the skin and is particularly lifelike to the touch.

Fig 1: Modello per palpazione del seno da appendere, 3B Scientific®

The laboratory was divided into groups of no more than five persons, each lasting six hours. A radiographer with mammography experience taught the trainees about mammography positioning. The students were then given the chance to practice putting the corset on with the assistance of a partner and a PMMA phantom (polymethyl methacrylate), as well as attempting to collect mammographic pictures.

The students were assessed on their ability to correctly position the breasts. Cranio-caudal, medio-lateral oblique, lateral-medial projections, direct radiological magnification, and tomosynthetic acquisition were assessed. To avoid projection of the nipple into the breast tissue and the existence of skin folds, special care was used in placing the patient's body and using the breast manipulation technique. A greater emphasis was placed on the proper breast traction maneuver to guarantee that a portion of the pectoral muscle and the submammary angle were represented while maintaining quadrant-symmetry. Additional assessment criteria included keeping the breast centered on the detector and compressing the breast tissue correctly.

Fig 2: Example of positioning for the oblique medio-lateral projection, how to place...

Fig 3: Example of positioning for the oblique medio-lateral projection, highlighting...

Fig 4: Example of positioning for the oblique medio-lateral projection, body posture...

Students are also taught how to approach patients in the right way to put them at ease and get the most engagement throughout the diagnostic investigation.