Breakthroughs in Breast Cancer Detection
Full-field Digital Mammograms (FFDM)
A full field digital mammogram (or just "digital mammogram") is
similar to a standard mammogram in that x-rays are used to produce an
image of your breast. Differences can be seen in the way the image is
recorded, viewed by the doctor, and stored. Basically, standard
mammograms are recorded on large sheets of photographic film. However,
digital mammograms are recorded and stored on a computer. When the exam
is finished, the doctor can view them on a computer screen and adjust
the image size, brightness, or contrast to see certain areas more
clearly. The digital images can also be sent electronically to another
site for a remote consult with breast specialists. While most centers do
not offer the digital option at this time, it is expected to become more
widely available in the future.
Since digital mammograms cost more than standard mammograms, studies
are now under way to determine which form of mammogram will benefit more
women in the long run. A number of studies have found that women who
have FFDM have to return less often for additional imaging tests because
of inconclusive areas on the original mammogram. A current large study
from the National Cancer Institute found that FFDM was more accurate in
finding cancers in women younger than 50 and in women with dense breast
tissue, although the rates of inconclusive results were similar between
FFDM and film mammography. It is really important to remember that
standard film mammography also is effective for these groups of women,
and that they should not miss their regular mammogram if digital
mammography is not available.
Computer-aided Detection and Diagnosis (CAD)
Since the past 2 decades, computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD)
has been developed to help radiologists detect suspicious changes on
mammograms. This procedure is done most commonly with screen-film
mammograms and less often with digital mammograms.
Computers can really help doctors identify abnormal areas on a
mammogram by acting as a second set of "eyes." On a standard mammogram,
the film is fed into a machine, which converts the image into a digital
signal that is then analyzed by the computer. Conversely, the technology
can be applied to an image captured with digital mammography. The
computer will then display the image on a video screen, with markers
pointing to areas it "thinks" the radiologist should check especially
closely.
There is yet not enough research, tests and actual procedures that
will prove and tell how useful CAD is. There are doctors who find it
helpful, but a recent large study found it did not significantly improve
the accuracy of breast cancer detection. It did, sadly, however,
increase the number of women who needed to have breast biopsies. A much
further research of this approach is needed.
Scintimammography
In this procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein to
detect breast cancer cells. The radioactive tracer attaches to breast
cancers and is detected by a special camera. This is obviously a very
new technique and is still considered experimental. this breakthrough
may or may not be helpful in evaluating abnormal mammograms.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you think you are at higher risk for developing breast cancer, talk
to your doctor about what is known about these tests and their potential
benefits, limitations, and harms. After this, make a decision together
about what is best for you. |
