Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 6.2-5 Imaging technologies for breast cancer
Technology
Description
FDA
approved
Used
routinely
Used
frequently
Clinical data
suggest a role
Preclinical data
suggest a role
Data not
available
Film-screen
mammography
The standard x-ray technique
Yes
Screening
and diagnosis
Digital
mammography
Digital version of x-ray technique
Yes
Screening
and diagnosis
Ultrasound
Forms images by reflection of megahertz frequency
sound waves
Yes
Diagnosis
Screening
MRI
Forms images from radio emissions from
nuclear spins
Yes
Diagnosis
Screening
Scintimammography
Senses tumors from gamma ray emissions of
radioactive pharmaceuticals
Yes
Diagnosis
Screening
Thermography
Seeks tumors by infrared signature
Yes
Diagnosis
Screening
Optical imaging
Localizes tumors by measuring scattered near
infrared light
Diagnosis
Screening
Electrical potential
measurement
Identifies tumors by measuring potential at array of
detectors on skin
Diagnosis
Screening
Positron emission
tomography
Forms images using emissions from annihilation of
positrons from radioactive pharmaceuticals
Yes
Screening
and diagnosis
Novel ultrasound
techniques
Include compound imaging, which improves resolution using
sound waves from several angles; 3D and Doppler imaging
Screening
and diagnosis
Elastography
Uses ultrasound or MRI to infer the mechanical
properties of tissue
Screening
and diagnosis
Magnetic resonance
spectroscopy
Analyzes tissue's chemical makeup using radio emissions
from nuclear spins
Screening
and diagnosis
Thermoacoustic
computed tomography
Generates short sound pulses within breast using RF energy
and constructs a 3D image from them
Screening
and diagnosis
Microwave imaging
Views breast using scattered microwaves
Screening
and diagnosis
Hall-effect imaging
Picks up sonic vibrations of charged particles exposed to
a magnetic field
Screening
and diagnosis
Magnetomammography Senses magnetic contrast agents collected in tumors
Screening
and diagnosis
