Looking beyond X-ray mammography

Although X-ray mammography is still the traditional method for breast cancer screening, other technologies are being used to supplement mammography.

 

Philips Medical Systems offers physicians a wide range of state-of-the-art imaging systems and software solutions to aid in therapy planning, treatment delivery and follow-up. Throughout the entire breast cancer cycle of care we support innovative applications.

Working to avoid unnecessary biopsies
Ultrasound is an easy, fast and painless exam.

 

For women with dense breasts, women at high risk for breast cancer and those who exhibit non-palpable (hard to feel) solid masses, breast ultrasound can assist physicians in determining if suspect lesions are solid or cystic. Solid lesions may indicate the need for biopsy. Ultrasound may also be used to guide the physician during biopsy.

 

Philips iU22 Ultrasound Imaging System

Role of MRI
Gaining a lot of attention recently is the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for supplemental examination and treatment planning. MRI is highly sensitive to small abnormalities without the use of x-ray.

 

Philips Achieva XR MRI Imaging System

Helping to manage patients with cancer
Other technology that shows promise in better understanding breast cancer is Positron Emission Tomography (PET), used in combination with Computed Tomography (CT).

 

PET is used to determine the early success of radiation therapy – to see if the cancer is still alive and growing, or if prescribed treatment is working to stop it. CT is used to anatomically pinpoint the location of the cancer. Once it's located, PET is used to be certain the cancer has not spread beyond the original site to endanger other organs, such as the lungs.

 

Philips Gemini GXL CT Imaging System

Better software for radiation treatment
Once breast cancer has been identified, targeted radiation therapy is often prescribed to help help get rid of the cancer. Important strides have been made, to give clinicians the ability to carefully target just the cancer cells and minimize radiation dose to surrounding, healthy tissue and organs.

 

In intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a computer software program controls the strength and intensity of radiation beams that are focused on the breast from several angles. Via the computer, the physician has the ability to modulate these beams to target the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.

 

In addition, CT images acquired during ongoing treatment sessions can be used to verify that the patient is placed in the exact position at every visit. This is called image guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

 

IMRT and IGRT can result in shorter treatment regimens, less burning to the skin and most importantly, good cancer therapy results.

 

- October 2007

 

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