BMJ article questions benefit of mammography

Recent article published in the July, British Medical Journal, has raised some controversy by  comparing the reduction in breast cancer deaths from 1989 to 2006 in several Northern European countries and concluded that improved disease management – not mammography – could most likely be credited with the decrease in deaths. Responding to this in a joint statement  ACR and the Society of Breast Imaging concluded that study had several flaws. Detailed ACR statement

BIRADS SCORE-MAMMOGRAM

Our patient is 73 yr old female presented to us with a solid lump in left breast. Craniocaudal and medio-lateral oblique views of left breast show an asymmetric nodular density in left breast with minimally iregular margins and punctate foci of microcalcifications.Small lymphnodes are seen in left axillary region.

BIRADS Scores

0 Incomplete
Your mammogram or ultrasound didn't give the radiologist enough information to make a clear diagnosis; follow-up imaging is necessary
Need to review prior studies and/or complete additional imaging
1 Negative
There is nothing to comment on; routine screening recommended
Continue routine screening
2 Benign
A definite benign finding; routine screening recommended
Continue routine screening
3 Probably Benign
Findings that have a high probability of being benign (>98%); six-month short interval follow-up
Short-term mammogram follow up at 6 mths, then every 6-12 mths for 1-2 yrs
4 Suspicious Abnormality
Not characteristic of breast cancer, but reasonable probability of being malignant (3 to 94%); biopsy should be considered
Perform biopsy, preferably needle biopsy
5 Highly Suspicious of Malignancy
Lesion that has a high probability of being malignant (>= 95%); take appropriate action
Biopsy and treatment as necessary.
6 Known Biopsy Proven Malignancy
Lesions known to be malignant that are being imaged prior to definitive treatment; assure that treatment is completed

Optical CT mammography

This is a new imaging technology using laser computed-tomography (CT) to aid in the detection and management of breast cancer. CT laser mammography is designed to be used in conjunction with mammography. It reveals information about blood distribution in the breast and may visualize the process of angiogenesis, which usually accompanies tumor growth.

Reference- Medical Imaging International

Electromagnetic Breast Imaging

Electromagnetic breast imaging: results of a pilot study in women with abnormal mammograms. Radiology 2007 May;243(2):350-9. Epub 2007 Mar 30

Study by Poplack SP et al published in Radiology May 2007 used three EM imaging methods: electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), microwave imaging spectroscopy (MIS), and near-infrared spectral tomography (NIR).Results from EM breast examinations provide statistical evidence of a mean increase in image contrast of 150%-200% between abnormal (benign and malignant) and normal breast tissue.