Introduction:
Advancements in the field of science and technology have played a vital role in the wellbeing of human beings. As the technology and techniques evolved in the field of Medical Imaging the diagnosis become easier and earlier detection of any abnormality allowed a timely cure resulted in saving many human lives.
Cancers are one of common cause of human deaths all over the world in both men and women. Breast Cancer in particular is one of the most common cancer in women, many factors could contribute in the development of cancer including Age, lifestyle (consumption of Alcohol or drugs), and Inheritance of gene from mother. According to the statistics published by World Health Organisation over 1.68 million cases of breast cancer
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Mammography is a special type of X-Ray that use low dose of X-Rays and Breast compression to capture maximum amount of breast tissues.
Mammographic technique is used in two ways i.e. Screening and Diagnostic.
Screening
Screening helps in the early detection of breast cancer and improves the chance of treatment and survival. This is achieved by taking images of cranial-caudal (CC) and medio-lateral-oblique (MLO) position. Assessment is done by projecting the images together to see any abnormalities.
Diagnostic
Diagnostic mammography is performed on patients with clear symptoms like discharge etc. or on patients screened positive during the screening mammography, to detect the precise size or location of abnormalities.
Diagnostic mammograms would consist of multiple images taken from multiple locations / angles, this may include latero-medial, madio-leteral etc. however this will depend on the particular problem / symptoms with an individual.
Mammograms are then assessed manually using large scale monitors (if digital image are available) or using films of both breasts together to observe their symmetry, size, density and glands distribution. More comprehensive assessment is done of any masses, densities or
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MRI is expensive and requires special equipment and technicians which makes it less accessible for everyone. Another limitation of MRI is that it cannot detect calcium deposits in the female breast which could be a symptom of breast cancer. Having said that MRI is useful in many breast cancers related diagnosis like MRI guided needle localisation biopsy and MRI guided vacuum assisted biopsy.
MRI is also very useful in accessing the results of treatment like Chemotherapy. It also enables the detection of the cancer in the palpable mass which isn’t visible in mammography.
Breast Specific Gamma Imaging.
As we have established the challenges related to the diagnosis in dense breasts using traditional mammography. Breast Specific Gemma Imaging (BGMI) is an other technique to overcome this challenge. It is rather a physiologic method insisted of autonomic for diagnosis. This technique uses radioactive drug Technetium (99mTc) sestamibi injected intravenously and a high resolution gamma camera specifically designed for breasts. The diagnosis is based on the comparison of radiotracer uptake between normal and cancer
The MRI, on the other hand is less expensive and much safer (as it doesn’t expose the patient to potentially harmful radioactive chemicals). The MRI or magnetic resonance imaging device, as an safer alternative, applies a powerful magnetic field around the head of the patient.
Although there is no early detection test for mesothelioma, there are several tests that can be used to help in making the diagnosis of mesothelioma, including a chest x-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI scan. A chest x-ray yields an image of the lungs that will show many types of abnormal changes. A CT scan is a type of x-ray, but it uses a computer rather than film to create detailed images. An MRI scan uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer but does not utilize radiation to create a clear image. These tests help your doctor differentiate mesothelioma from other lung tumors as well as determine where the tumor is and its size. Your doctor may need to remove a tissue sample from the tumor or draw fluid from it to confirm it to confirm the diagnosis.
Giurescu, M., Hu, T., & Obembe, O. (2010). Role of imaging in breast cancer detection.
This would help them determine if the women would need screening to decrease unnecessary testing (Fitzpatrick, 2011).
To be completely honest, I do not know much about MRI machines; however, I did come across the device many times when I was with my clients at the hospital. I work as an interpreter, and I sometimes go with clients when they have an appointment with their doctors for x-rays or CAT scans, or even MRI scan. Nevertheless, I did have an MRI scan several times in my life. All I knew was that an MRI machine was a device which was used to take images of body just like the images taken by X-rays, CAT scans and Mammogram.
Why is this important? Mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible (breastcancer.org). It is important to assure the conditions that the person can remain healthy. Screenings for breast cancer helps find cancer early. When it is shown early, it is often treatable. More people will live longer than expected. For instance, mammograms have been shown to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 35% in women over the age of 50. In women between the ages of 40 and 50, the risk reduction appears to be slightly less. (breastcancer.org). Mammograms is an X-ray picture of the breast. It is important to get mammograms once every year. The earlier, the better a person can get rid of the cancerous cells in their body (Levana, 2014).
What is Diagnostic radiology? Diagnostic radiology is static or dynamic radiologic images of normal anatomy and physiology and of alterations of normal tissue that has been injured or diseased.Variety
All in all, MRI is a great imaging modality to properly diagnose a patient. MRI has many advantages and does not use any type of radiation. Even though MRI has been around for about a century it has gained a lot of advancement in the image quality. MRI allows a wide variety of anatomy to be imaged such as soft tissue, spine work, and organs. Like any imaging modality MRI does have a couple of disadvantages, but the advantages out way the risks. MRI will continue to improve and will be one of the best imaging modalities in the medical field.
Treatment for primary, localized breast cancer commonly includes surgical interventions based on tumor type, size, and stage. Certain procedures such as a local excision or lumpectomy conserve more of a woman’s breast than others, where only the breast lump and surrounding area of tissue are removed. A mastectomy is a more radical procedure that removes the entire breast. After a mastectomy, some women choose to have breast reconstructive surgery to restore their sense of body integrity (LeMone et al., 2011). Recently, surgical techniques have improved, resulting in less radical and invasive surgeries. The increase in breast conserving surgery has been related to screening mammograms. On average, screening for breast cancer detects tumors in smaller and earlier stages, enabling patients to begin treatment before the cancer advances to more invasive stages (Watts, 2013).
To begin with, how has technology changed the field of radiology? Since the discovery of X-radiation there has been a need and desire for studying the human body and the diseases without actually any intervention. Over the past fifty years there has been a revolution in the field of radiology affecting medicine profoundly. “The ability to produce computers powerful enough to reconstruct accurate body images, yet small enough to fit comfortably in the radiology department, has been the major key to this progress”(Gerson 66). The core of radiology’s vast development consists of four diagnostic techniques: computed tomography (CT), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These methods of diagnostic imaging provide accurate information that was not seen before. Amid this information advancement, radiologists have broadened their role of diagnostician. Gerson writes, “With the advent of computer-enhanced imagery and new interventional techniques, these physicians are able to take an active part in performing therapeutic procedures”(66). A radiology breakthrough in 1972 was computed tomography discovered by Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack. Unlike standard radiography, computed tomography would spin the X-ray tube 360 degrees and inversely another 360 degrees while the patient ta...
Ways to early detect would be self-breast exams at home, annual mammograms and genetic testing for the BCRA1 and the BCRA2 abnormal gene. It has been said that when people are tested for the abnormal gene and are found to carry it, it is normally passed from either parent. Not only do women develop breast cancer, but men are also at risk. If detection is caught early enough there can be a high survival rate. Some symptoms and signs are a lump, change in size or shape of breast, nipple pain, discharge or bleeding of the nipple, change of skin color and texture, or breast becoming swollen or feels warm. It is advised to seek medical attention upon discovery of signs and symptoms. It can possibly allow a better treatment option for
MRI is a unique machine that not only helps people, but also detects if something is wrong inside a patient’s body. MRI machines are getting more advanced each year and every year it saves lives. According to MedicineNet, “It provides valuable information on glands and organ within the abdomen, and accurate information about the structure of the joints, soft tissues, and bones of the body. Often, surgery can be deferred or more accurately directed after knowing the results of an MRI scan.” Doctors will be doing less guessing and more knowing when it comes to surgery.
Skravanek, P. (1988). The debate over mass mammography in Britain: Br Med J; 297: 1542.
Images of human anatomy have been around for more than 500 years now. From the sketches created by Leonardo da Vinci, to the modern day Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, images have played a great role in medicine. Evolution in medical imaging brought together people from various disciplines such as Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, a collaboration which has further contributed to healthcare as a whole. Modern day imaging improves medical workflows by facilitating a non-invasive insight into human body, accurate and timely diagnostics, and persistence of an analysis.
Hillman, Bruce J. (1997, September 6). Medical imaging in the 21st century. The Lancet, vol. 350, p. 731.