Breast Cancer Diagnosis Boosted Thanks to New 3D Technique

A new X-ray technique could possibly revolutionize the detection of breast cancer, say an international team of researchers. The scientists responsible for this invention claim that this would allow 3D visualizations of the breast and help in early detection of tumors.

Researchers revealed that the new technique known as Analyser-Based X-ray Imaging (ABI), with high spatial resolution, would help in detecting breast tumors with greater precision.

Currently, X-ray mammography is the most widely used tool in diagnostic radiology, but it fails to identify about 10 to 20 pct of palpable breast cancers, as some breasts, especially in young women, are very dense. Therefore, on mammograms, glandular tissues can mask cancer lesions.

X-ray computed tomography (CT) could produce accurate 3D images of the entire breast, improving the detection of early diseases in dense breasts. However, its use in breast imaging is limited by the radiation dose delivered to a radiosensitive organ such as the breast.

The new ABI-CT technique has allowed scientists to overcome this problem. They have managed to visualize breast cancer with an unprecedented contrast resolution and with clinically compatible doses.

During the study, the researchers used the new procedure on an in vitro specimen using a radiation dose similar to that of a mammography examination.

The dose corresponded to a quarter of that required for imaging the same sample with conventional CT scanner.

They found that spatial resolution of the ABI images was seven times better.