Recent developments in breast imaging

Abstract

A review of breast imaging has already appeared in 1982 in this journal. Consequently, the present article concentrates on a discussion of only those developments of a more recent nature. Although the emphasis is placed on the physical aspects of the different imaging methods concerned, the essential factors relating to the clinical background and the associated radiation risk are also outlined. The completeness of detail depends on the present clinical importance of the method under discussion. X-ray mammography, which is still the most important breast imaging technique and has proved to be an effective method for breast cancer screening, is therefore treated in greater detail. Since the early 1980s, ultrasound B-mode scanning has evolved to an indispensable adjunct to x-ray mammography. For Doppler sonography, diaphanography, contrast-enhanced MRI, CT and DSA, the visualization of a tumour depends essentially on the enhanced vascularity of the lesion. Whether this will prove to be a reliable indicator for malignancy remains to be shown in controlled clinical studies. Common to all imaging systems is the increasing use of digital methods for signal processing, which also offers the possibility of computer-aided diagnosis by texture analysis and pattern recognition.

Two-dimensional FDTD analysis of a pulsed microwave confocal system for breast cancer detection: fixed-focus and antenna-array sensors

“…Nonmammographic breast-imaging techniques other than ultrasound and MRI have been studied, and several reviews of such alternative technologies are available [5]- [7]. Although extensively studied, passive microwave radiometry (thermography) [8] was not considered promising in two of these reviews [5], [6].…”

Computer simulation of time-resolved optical imaging of objects hidden in turbid media

“…[3]. The most common imaging method at this moment, X-ray mammography, is not very sensitive to differences between normal fibrotic tissue and cancer, making it less suitable for imaging young dense breasts which usually are fibrotic [4,5].…”

Confocal microwave imaging for breast cancer detection: localization of tumors in three dimensions

“…The association of X-ray mammography with uncomfortable or painful breast compression and exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation may reduce patient compliance with screening recommendations. These concerns motivate the search for techniques that image other physical tissue properties or metabolic changes [5], [6].…”