2010, Number 1
Thermographically Assisted Breast Biopsy (TABB). Case report, ¿a new diagnostic possibility?
Campo MEM
Language: Spanish
References: 6
Page: 38-42
PDF size: 767.21 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Although Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) has been controversial regarding breast cancer screening, recent technology advances have produced new cameras that are more sensitive and with better resolution. Besides, software improvement as well allows data and imaging processing in order to study minimal temperature changes that are produced on the surface of breast’s skin, that can be interpreted as metabolism and vascular changes. Early during these year (2009), the research and ethical committee of the State Cancer Center (CECan) “Dr. Miguel Dorantes Mesa” authorized a protocol to assess DITI’s sensitivity and efectiveness as a diagnostic tool applied to all the patients refered to this institution with suspected breast cancer with conventional images (Mammogram and Ultrasound), using an infrared camera FLIR A40 and its Research Software. We report a case in which a non palpable lesion was detected in mammogram because of the characteristic micro calcifications. The thermo graphic analysis threw sufficient data to confirm this suspicious finding, for it to be included and perform any kind of biopsy. Definitive results were surprising and, although without any statistical value at all, this finding opens a new possibility to asses patients with similar history in the near future and determine which specific cases are the most benefited. To this date, there are no other cases reported in the medical literature. I consider that –based on specific anatomical, clinical, pathological, radiological characterisitics and with clear Thermal Analysis– Thermo graphically Assisted Breast Biopsy (TABB) could be applied by expert and oncologically hands as a safe procedure. Yet, further investigation needs to continue to confirm this finding and therapeutical option with a bigger number of patients in controlled essays.REFERENCES