Due to the screening’s excellent accuracy, mammograms are currently the best tool used to detect breast cancer. Mammograms have been a life-saving tool for countless women. While the screening has been highly beneficial, the future of breast cancer screening is even brighter.

The Future of Breast Cancer Screening

The medical field is continuously advancing and adapting as new information unfolds. Breast cancer screening has come a long way over the last few decades. However, there is so much more to come in the future.

Computer-Aided Detection Devices:

Preliminary testing has shown that computer-aided detection devices can help identify cancers missed by experts. In fact, they are currently being used by some labs as second-opinion readers for radiologists.

Digital Mammography:

Right now, there are just a few hundred digital mammography machines throughout the country. Digital mammography is much more effective than a regular mammogram as the image can be magnified and the resolution can be adjusted. This is much easier as compared to an image being taken on film.

MRI:

An MRI is effective in detecting breast cancer. The technology utilizes a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create a cross-sectional image of your breast. Even further, medical experts can inject dye into your veins to make the problematic areas and tissue more visible.

Ultrasound:

While ultrasound technology has been around for decades, the technology is being improved in order to be more effective in detecting breast cancer. The technology is often used as a secondary tool after an abnormality is detected in a mammogram as it provides 3-D imaging versus 2-D.

Experimental Methods

The aforementioned breast cancer screening tools are currently being used. While they are not all widespread across the nation, they have been proven to be effective. However, the future of breast cancer screening is going much further than expanding the status quo. There are a number of clinical trials on new screening devices.

Electrical Impedance Spectral Imaging:

Electrical impedance spectral imaging (“EIS”) technology is based on the idea that normal tissue and cancerous masses conduct electricity much differently. EIS technology involves the use of low-frequency electrical currents and an image is formed demonstrating the potentially cancerous areas.

Positron Emission Tomography:

Positron emission tomography (“PET”) technology involves the infection of a radioactive substance into the patient’s veins. The theory is based on the idea that a tumor has a higher metabolism than normal tissue. The substance injected into your veins divides the cancerous cells and a PET scan can detect this.

Ductal Lavage and Ductoscopy:

Both methods are based on the idea that certain cancers start in the milk ducts of women’s breasts. A ductal lavage involves a catheter being inserted into the nipple through the milk ducts. A saline solution is inserted and then withdrawn and the cells are examined under a microscope. In a ductoscopy catheter, a light is inserted through the nipple and dye is injected into the ducts. An x-ray can then detect any areas with abnormal growths.

Microwave Imaging Spectroscopy:

Microwave imaging spectroscopy (“MIS”) technology utilizes microwave energy that is particularly sensitive to water. Tumors are understood to have more water and blood than regular tissue making it much easier to detect the problematic areas.

The Importance of Breast Cancer Screening

It is important to get regular breast cancer screenings. It is recommended that women at average risk for breast cancer get their first screening at age 40. However, those at a higher risk likely need to be screened earlier. Talk with your medical provider about when you should get your first mammogram.

If you need a mammogram, BreastGyn Imagers offers in office screening mammography. They are skilled in a number of screenings and gynecological interpretation. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!