Dec 13, 2008 7:36 am US/Eastern
Promising New Technology In Breast Cancer
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
In high-risk women with dense breast tissue, molecular breast imaging detected three times as many hard-to-find tumors as mammography, according to preliminary data from researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
It may soon be an additional tool for detecting cancer in high risk women and women with dense breast tissue.
It was several years ago when doctors told Jill Sheffield that she had dense breast tissue which makes it hard to spot tumors on a traditional mammogram.
"It makes it extremely difficult to identify any cancerous spots within the breast because the density with the tissues and everything. They can't get an accurate reading on the breast," said Sheffield.
Like many others, Jill has hope that a new type of tool, called molecular breast imaging, may make any concealed cancer more visible.
"With molecular breast imaging we give a lady a radio isotope, usually in her arm, and that isotope goes directly to the breast cancer and it lights up that region that shows metabolic activity," explained Dr. Warren Reuther, III, a radiologist.
Researchers compared mammograms and molecular breast imaging results on 940 women who had dense breasts. Imaging found 10 out of 13 tumors, missing 3. Mammograms found three out of 13, missing 10.
"With this type of imaging you can see (the difference between) the front of the patient and the back, and you really can't see the bones. All you see are these areas of activity which is indicative of cancer," said Reuther.
"It makes it a lot easier to identify if there are any cancerous spots in the dense breasts," admitted Sheffield.
Visit Susan G. Kormen For The Cure to learn more about this technology and other information about breast cancer.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Burned Teen's Family Staying Positive
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
