Cone Beam Breast CT: High-Resolution Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection

Breast cancer is a severe health problem that has been affecting numerous women worldwide. Among all other cancer types, breast cancer is the most prevalent and most dangerous cancer. According to statistics, approximately 1 in 8 women develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Luckily, early detection of breast cancer can help save lives.Various imaging modalities are used for early detection of breast cancer, including mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but cone-beam breast CT is a new, promising method that has proven to provide higher-resolution images with more precise results. In this article, we’ll discuss cone-beam breast CT and why it is considered a groundbreaking imaging modality.

What is Cone Beam Breast CT?

Cone-beam breast CT is an advanced imaging method that provides high-resolution images of the breast tissues using a small cone-shaped X-ray beam. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure that works by capturing several X-ray images of the breast during a rotation of the X-ray tube over the breast.The cone-beam breast CT scanner is designed in a way that allows the patient to lie face down on the examination table. The breast is gently compressed between two plates, and the scanner arm rotates over the breast several times while taking numerous images. These images are then processed by a computer to create detailed 3D images of the breast tissue.Cone-beam breast CT can provide detailed images of dense breast tissue and can be used for screening, preoperative planning, and as a diagnostic tool for suspicious breast findings. It offers higher resolution images than other imaging modalities, allowing for more precise diagnosis and more successful treatment outcomes.

How Cone Beam Breast CT is Different from Other Imaging Modalities?

While mammography remains the primary screening tool for breast cancer detection, it has limitations, mainly for women with dense breast tissue. In such cases, the areas of the breast that need to be imaged are hidden behind the dense tissue, making it difficult to spot developing cancers in their early stages.Cone-beam breast CT does not have this limitation and can accurately capture the images of dense breast tissue making it an alternative to mammography for women with dense breasts.Compared to MRI, cone-beam breast CT is faster, less costly, and does not require the use of contrast agents. Cone-beam breast CT can efficiently provide detailed images of suspicious breast findings, which can narrow down the list of possible diagnoses, reducing the need for additional diagnostic procedures.

What to Expect During a Cone Beam Breast CT Exam?

A cone-beam breast CT exam is painless and should take less than 15 minutes to complete. The patient will be asked to lie face down on a specialized examination table with her breast hanging down, and the breast will be compressed between two parallel plates for imaging.The X-ray source will rotate around the breast, taking images from all angles. The exam table will move in and out of the scanner to capture images of the whole breast. During the procedure, the patient will be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds to avoid movement, which can distort the images.Once the images are taken, no further procedures are necessary, and the patient can return to their regular activities immediately. The 3D images will be processed by a radiologist who will interpret the results.

Who Can Benefit from Cone Beam Breast CT?

Cone-beam breast CT is especially beneficial for women who have dense breast tissue, implants, or other abnormalities. It can also be useful for women who have had an inconclusive mammogram examination, or for women who have other inconclusive clinical findings.This method can also be used to assess the accuracy of procedures performed as part of treatment and as an aid in surgical planning. Women with a family history of breast cancer, over the age of 40, or any other risk factors would also benefit from having cone-beam breast CT as a screening and diagnostic tool.

Benefits of Cone Beam Breast CT

Cone-beam breast CT is an innovative and highly effective imaging method for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer. Its benefits include:

• Higher resolution images that provide more precise results
• Lower radiation dose compared to traditional CT exams
• Reduced need for additional diagnostic procedures
• Improved accuracy in detecting small tumors
• Non-invasive and painless exam

Conclusion

Early detection of breast cancer can mean the difference between life and death. Cone-beam breast CT is a new, radiation-saving, and cost-saving imaging modality that provides precise results and a better chance of successful treatment outcomes. It is a safe and painless method for breast cancer detection, which can be used as a screening tool for women at high risk for breast cancer.With the help of cone-beam breast CT, physicians can detect early-stage breast cancers and improve patient outcomes. So, if you’re a woman at risk for breast cancer, schedule a cone-beam breast CT exam today to detect any abnormalities and save your life.See you again in another article!

Related video of Cone Beam Breast CT: High-Resolution Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection