J Korean Soc Radiol.  2019 Jan;80(1):59-68. 10.3348/jksr.2019.80.1.59.

Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging in Breast Cancer Screening

• Cha ES

• KMID: 2442464
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2019.80.1.59

Abstract

The sensitivity and specificity of breast cancer screening with mammography in dense breasts are very low, and increasing attention has been paid to breast density and screening in high-risk groups. Therefore, a supplemental screening modality is needed. Mammography and supplementary ultrasound screening are mainly based on the differences between cancerous and normal breast parenchyma on an anatomical basis, whereas breast-specific gamma imaging is a functional imaging approach examining the physiological phenomena of blood flow and mitochondrial activity, which are increased in cancer cells. The purpose of this review is to discuss the diagnostic methods, clinical results, clinical application, and considerations of breast cancer screening with breast-specific gamma imaging using (99m)Tc-sestamibi.

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Gamma Cameras
Mammography
Mass Screening*
Molecular Imaging
Physiological Phenomena
Sensitivity and Specificity
Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi
Ultrasonography
Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Three different breast-specific gamma imaging systems. A. Dilon Diagnostics 6800 (Dilon Diagnostics). B. Gamma Medica LumaGEM 3200S (Gamma Medica Inc.). C. GE Healthcare Discovery NM750b (GE Healthcare).

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  Fig. 2. A 48-year-old woman with invasive ductal carcinoma in left breast. A. Mammography of both breasts shows extremely dense breast without mass or microcalcification. B. Breast-specific gamma imaging shows abnormal focal intense uptake in the mid-outer region of the left breast.

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  Fig. 3. A 68-year-old woman, underwent breast conserving surgery, with silicone injection mammoplasty and augmentation mammoplasty. A. Mammography of both breasts shows postsurgical deformity in the left breast with bilateral silicone granuloma and left mammoplasty bag. B. Breast-specific gamma imaging shows no abnormal uptake in both breasts.

Reference

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