Chennai: While much has been talked about breast cancer awareness and women being apprehensive about going for screening, little do we discuss the technological advancements employed in diagnosis.
In addition to reticence and fear, the pain that the conventional 2D mammography causes has been a major reason for women not willing to got for screening.
It has been said in India, opportunistic screening, that is, high-risk women, are recommended to undergo the screening process.
In conversation with News Today, Chennai Breast Centre founder and oncoplastic breast surgeon, Dr Selvi Radhakrishna, sheds light on the scientific developments in identifying the condition.
The traditional approach of undergoing a 2D mammography has been in the field since a long time. With an aim to overcome the limitation and shortcomings that it causes, a few years ago, 3D Tomosynthesis was introduced.
Explaining the pitfalls in conventional mammography, Dr Selvi explains, “It compresses the three dimensional cone shaped breast into two planes which leads to superimposition of the tissues to create some having tumour-like appearances. Further, spot compressions with heavy pressure on a particular location maybe required that involves additional radiation exposure.”
On how different the latest 3D Tomosynthesis is, she says, “In the latest technique, the breast tissues are examined in different sections as opposed to the 2D technique. The accuracy and detection rate are higher as it involves no compression.”
In addition to lesser radiation exposure and painless procedure, recent researches prove that the detection rate of 3D Tomosynthesis is 40 per cent higher than 2D mammogram.
‘The new procedure is quicker and more comfortable for the patient as it comes with a curved paddle,’ adds the doctor.
Several government and private hospitals in the city have been suing 3D Tomosynthesis for over a decade. Explaining the challenges in following up such cases, she continues, “The technique, interpretation and the follow-up action continues to be a challenge as they are not uniform across all centres. This requires a commitment to learn, audit results and assess oneself periodically for better outcome to ensure early treatment is given to the patient.”
| Technological advancement comes with a cost. The novel 3D Tomosynthesis technique charges are high.
About the cost factor, Dr Selvi Radhakrishna opines, “Though the screening is expensive, considering the clinical value in terms of accuracy, possibility of early detection of breast cancer and the fact that these tests are done once in two years or so for screening only, the cost will not be a deterrent.” |