Tomosynthesis, a next generation diagnostic tool that uses 3D imaging to assist with the detection of breast cancer, has been ordered for the first time in the UK. Nottingham Breast Institute, part of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, will be installing a Siemens MAMMOMAT Inspiration™ Full Field Digital Mammography system which will have the tomosynthesis module.
Nottingham Breast Institute is one of the major breast radiology research centres in the UK. The Inspiration mammography system was selected due its tomosynthesis functionality that will enable the Institute to enhance its research potential and remain at the forefront of pioneering medical investigation.
Nottingham Breast Institute is aiming to perform between five and ten tomosynthesis examinations a week, imaging patients who present with a lump and those recalled for further investigations following routine breast screening. These examinations will be used in research studies into how tomosynthesis can enhance mammogram sensitivity and improved diagnosis of multifocal breast cancer.
Tomosynthesis takes a number of low dose images at different angles from which slice-like images of the breast can be reconstructed. When pieced together, the slices reveal far greater detail and depth of information of the whole breast to assist with earlier detection. It takes breast imaging a step beyond conventional mammography currently used in national screening programmes and for symptomatic examinations.
“We are expecting the tomosynthesis-ready breast imaging system to provide a range of benefits to the Institute, to patients and to the UK as a whole,” states Dr Andrew Evans of the Nottingham Breast Institute. “Primarily, it should assist us with defining the precise staging of breast cancers, which then defines a more accurate course of treatment needed. Furthermore, the 3D images delivered go beyond traditional 2D images found in projection mammography, to show the morphological characteristics of cancers with a new degree of accuracy. This should improve the quality of screening results and demonstrate concern areas earlier.”
“Finding the very small mammographic changes that represent early breast cancer can be likened to finding a needle in a haystack. Tomosynthesis can help as the imaging technology virtually slices up the breast to look inside and explore in-depth,” states Sam Smith, Women’s Health Specialist at Siemens Healthcare. “Early detection means less invasive procedures and a speedier recovery for the patient. We anticipate that tomosynthesis will play an important role in the future of breast cancer diagnosis and may replace traditional mammography in the future.”
Siemens Healthcare is the only digital mammography provider in the marketplace to offer tomosynthesis ready systems that require a simple upgrade rather than complete machine renewal. The tomosynthesis module will be in place at the Nottingham Breast Institute later in the year.
About Siemens Healthcare
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €11.2 billion, orders of €11.8 billion, and Sector profit of €1.2 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.co.uk/healthcare.
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