Many health care providers have searched for innovative ways to deliver comprehensive diagnostic imaging that improves patients' survival rates. With the introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis, women at risk of developing cancer have better chances at getting their lesions treated as soon as possible.
DBT allows for more accurate lesion classifications
According to a recent study out of Yale University, including DBT with digital mammograms for breast screenings has many benefits, such as higher sensitivity for screening breast tissue and reduced instances of recall appointments. The research, presented by lead author Madhvi Raghu, M.D., at the 2014 meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, highlights technological advancements in medical imaging, AuntMinnie.com reported.
"Prior studies have shown that tomosynthesis not only reduces false positives in screening, it also results in better assessment of lesions in the diagnostic setting, which suggests that fewer studies may require close imaging follow-up," Raghu said at RSNA 2014, quoted by the source.
The Yale research team reviewed mammograms performed with tomosynthesis over a 30-month period from January 2012 to July 2014. Raghu and her team worked to determine each exam's final BI-RADS assessment, which classifies tissue density into specific categories.
During the study's window, 12,864 screenings were performed. In year one, 64 percent of exams were completed with tomosynthesis; year two had 88 percent with DBT; and the final period saw 96 percent of mammograms including tomosynthesis. With the addition of DBT, the diagnostic accuracy of every test was improved, as were the positive predictive values of biopsies performed on lesions.
Despite the growing awareness of DBT's effectiveness, many providers might still be receiving – and sending – mixed messages about the risks of breast density.
Improving understanding around cancer risks
Diagnostic Imaging explained that as of July 2014, 32 states had either enacted or were working on notification laws for breast density. While new cancers are being reported as a result of this legislation, industry experts at RSNA highlighted how these regulations have affected radiologists.
The common belief around dense breasts is that these women are four times more likely to develop cancer than their peers. However, other risk factors such as scattered or heterogeneous breasts and fatty or dense tissue can have significant impacts on a patient's chances of developing cancer.
"The increased rate of breast cancers in dense tissue is largely due to masking – the obstruction of the cancer by the dense tissue," said Stephen Feig, M.D., radiologist at the University of California-Irvine, quoted by the news source. "Dense breast tissue is much less associated with an actual higher risk of developing the disease than was originally anticipated."
With the advent of DBT, many women are learning about how the physical makeup of their breasts can affect the development of cancer. While tissue thickness may play less of a role than originally thought, it is still integral that patients be alerted about their own density.
Contact Viztek for more information.
Ronny Bachrach
Latest posts by Ronny Bachrach (see all)
- Konica Minolta Debuts First-of-Its-Kind Digital U-Arm System at AHRA - July 27, 2016
- Researchers Detect Signs Of Stroke Risk Using MRI - June 27, 2016
- Imaging Biz: Q&A with David S. Channin MD: How to Make PACS Patient Centered - June 22, 2016
0
0
0
