Infrared Light for Detecting Breast Cancer

The technique was presented at the annual meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society in Atlanta (GA, USA).

In a study, 32 patients with either an abnormal mammogram or a palpable breast mass underwent a diffuse optical tomography exam using the new hand-held imaging device. The results showed increased blood volume and deoxygenated hemoglobin in most of the patients who were later found to have cancer following a biopsy.

The examination requires only 10 minutes. Sponge pads are placed on each breast, and a near-infrared light is passed through to the breasts. The device is connected to a computer that can estimate blood volume and oxygen levels of hemoglobin. Increased deoxygenated hemoglobin and blood volume suggest cancer, according to Saroja Adusumilli, M.D., a radiologist at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadephia, USA).

The new technique has a number of advantages. No radiation or contrast medium is involved and no breast compression is required. The device, which can be connected to a laptop computer, weighs less than two pounds and is very portable, making it easy to use in a doctor's office or mobile clinic. The imager was invented by Britton Chance, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, and is still in the experimental phase.

"This might ultimately prove to be an ideal way to image women who wouldn't otherwise have access to high-tech breast examinations,” said Dr. Adusumilli.




Related Links:
American Roentgen Ray Society in Atlanta