Journal of Radiology
Open Access

Abstract

X-ray mammography is still the gold standard for routine breast cancer screening due to its costs, speed and cancer detection accuracy. But it is estimated that up to 35% of cancers are overlooked and that 10-15% of screening exams require further testing due to inconclusive results, especially in dense breast. The accuracy of mammography screening in women with dense breast tissue is much lower approximately 75%. The new recommendation is to include breast ultrasound, breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other exams deemed necessary by a physician. Ultrasound is within affordable costs, widespread availability, ongoing technological advancements and significant improvements in detection accuracy when used to supplement mammography. Ultrasound and mammography screening protocol has been demonstrated to increase the detection of cancers in the breast by 28%. Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) continue to improve accuracy of ultrasound. MRI is very costly and not available freely. While MRI is commonly used in diagnostic and therapeutic breast imaging applications, tomosynthesis has perhaps attracted more attention than any other breast imaging technology in recent years due to its ability to improve cancer detection accuracy and reduce patient recalls when combined with mammography. It is very expensive. Tomosynthesis scans can be acquired in less than 20 seconds at the time of mammography but there are drawbacks including increased interpretation time and image data storage requirements, additional ionizing radiation per exam. Role of other modalities like MBI (Molecular Breast Imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) will be discussed.

Biography

Mahesh Baj is an award-winning Consultant Radiologists with more than 40 years experience of teaching radiology in India, UK and Ireland. He holds 4 Postgraduate qualifications in Radiology including MD, DMRD, FRCR and FFRRCSI. He has written several research papers and book chapters. He is on the Editorial Board of many journals and Chairman of International Tele-Imaging Organization. He has received “Hind Rattan” Award from President of India in 2003.

E-mail: maheshbaj47@gmail.com