New developments in breast cancer detection

Abstract

Imaging options for breast cancer detection have changed significantly over time. There are two goals that drive technological change in breast cancer imaging: a. improvement in diagnostic accuracy and b. reduction in radiation exposure to the breast. The gold standard for breast cancer detection has long been the standard two-plane mammogram; this was initially obtained using conventional film/screen technology and later with full field digital mammography (FFDM), which improved image quality and reduced radiation exposure. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) integrates tomography into digital mammographic technology. This imaging method obtains multiple slices through the thickness of the breast thereby reducing interference from tissue overlap, which is particularly advantageous in dense breasts. The current practice is to start with FFDM as the initial screening test and to proceed to DBT only if questionable findings are noted on FFDM.