Molecular Breast Imaging Better than Mammo and Ultrasound

Molecular breast imaging can detect cancers better than mammography and ultrasound, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. The study looked at 1,000 patients at four institutions and found that Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) had an overall sensitivity of 91% for breast cancer detection compared to mammography and ultrasound at 74% and 84%, respectively. Ultrasound and MRI are generally considered options for additional breast cancer screening in particular for women with dense breast tissue. The recent study was touted by Dilon Diagnostics, which makes a BSGI device. A similar study in 2008 said molecular breast imaging might be a more cost-effective approach to mammography than MRI. Further studies such as these could drive up BSGI utilization. However, the procedure delivers a dose of ionizing radiation whereas ultrasound and MRI do not.