Breast Imaging Division
Advances in Breast Imaging Lead to More Successful Treatment
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of
death and the most commonly diagnosed non-skin
cancer in American women. It is estimated
that approximately 200,000 women will be diagnosed
this year, and one in 10 of these women will
at some point develop the disease in the opposite
breast. Recent advances in technology,
experience and expertise make it easier to diagnose
breast cancers at an earlier stage, leading to
a higher chance of successful treatment.
Our Breast Imaging Division, accredited by the
American College of Radiology, provides screening
and problem-solving mammography for outpatients
at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
and its satellites.
Digital Mammography
Mammography continues
to be the best screening method available for
breast cancer. Improvements in imaging, such
as digital mammography, produce a quicker,
sharper and overall enhanced image to aid in
developing faster and more accurate results.
Digital mammography offers potential and practical
advantages over traditional mammography, and
often allows for better cancer detection. These
advantages include:
- With digital images, the radiologist can
zoom in, magnify, change the contrast of the
breast image, or view it in slices, resulting
in more precise images and helping reduce the
need for repeat screenings.
- Flexible plates for greater comfort
- Exams completed in half
the time of traditional
mammography
- Digital images can be sent
and stored electronically,
providing women with the ability to maintain
an electronic file of mammograms as a reference
to help radiologists better track changes.
Additionally, the digital images
are available almost instantly and can be transmitted
electronically around the world.
The most important
advantage to digital mammography is the ability
to use advanced computer and electronic technologies
to manipulate the image in order to better “see” certain
breast tumors that are difficult to identify
on a standard mammogram. Studies show that along
with superior image quality, digital mammograms
greatly benefit women who are younger than 50,
have dense breasts, and are pre- or perimenopausal.
Digital mammography is now being used at the
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and
exclusively at Pennsylvania Hospital.
“Digital mammograms, in particular, may
be more comfortable for some patients and the
amount of time it takes to read the images is
much shorter,” says Brian
Englander, MD,
chief of breast imaging at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Breast MRI
Women who have indeterminate findings on either
a mammogram or sonography may benefit from breast
magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). MRI may specifically characterize a
questionable lesion to determine whether a biopsy
is needed. Women at high risk for developing breast
carcinoma (e.g., family history or carriers of
predisposing gene) may benefit from MRI screening
to determine if no occult breast tumor is present.
Breast MRI is a
non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnetic
fields and radio waves to construct internal
images of the breast. Penn physicians
say it is a useful tool for further examination
of uncertain findings. It is also used to assess
the size and location of cancer that has been
detected in the breast for determining the
appropriate treatment. Breast MRI is more sensitive
than a mammogram. Breast MRI is performed in
conjunction with mammography and the two images
allow physicians to see additional areas of
breast tissue.
MRI is effective for younger, high-risk patients. A
recent American College of Radiology Imaging
Network study of high-risk women newly diagnosed
with breast cancer found that adding the MRI
scan to mammography led to the detection of more
than 90 percent of cancers in the opposite breast
missed by mammography.
Earlier detection of more extensive cancer can
mean less chemotherapy and breast cancer-related
surgery for many women. In keeping with its long
tradition of advancing medicine, Penn is the
only radiology department in the region participating
in this breakthrough study.
“I think MRI is a very good option,” said
Penn's Mitch
Schnall, MD, PhD and senior
author of the study. “This clearly
demonstrates the ability of MRI to detect cancer
not seen by mammography.”
Mammography is also available at Penn Medicine
at Radnor, 250 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor.
Division Chief
Emily
F. Conant, MD
Addresses
Breast Imaging Radiology Division
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
First Floor Silverstein Pavilion
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Ground Floor Dulles Building
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
3 Donner
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Penn Tower, Bridge Level
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
|
