The accuracy of digital infrared imaging for breast cancer detection in women undergoing breast biopsy

Abstract Background Mammography has a lower sensitivity for breast cancer detection in younger women and those with dense breasts. Recent improvements in digital infrared breast imaging suggest there may be a role for this technology and we have studied its performance in 100 women prior to breast n...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of surgical oncology 2010-06, Vol.36 (6), p.535-540
Main Authors: Wishart, G.C, Campisi, M, Boswell, M, Chapman, D, Shackleton, V, Iddles, S, Hallett, A, Britton, P.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Biopsy, Needle
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - pathology
Diagnostic imaging
Digital infrared imaging
Female
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Infrared Rays
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Staging
Neural Networks (Computer)
Predictive Value of Tests
Sensitivity and Specificity
Surgery
Thermography
Thermography - methods
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Summary:Abstract Background Mammography has a lower sensitivity for breast cancer detection in younger women and those with dense breasts. Recent improvements in digital infrared breast imaging suggest there may be a role for this technology and we have studied its performance in 100 women prior to breast needle core biopsy (CB). Methods All patients were imaged using a digital infrared breast (DIB) scan (Sentinel BreastScan™) prior to breast biopsy. Analysis of the infrared scans was performed, blinded to biopsy results, in four different ways: Sentinel screening report, Sentinel artificial intelligence (neural network), expert manual review and NoTouch BreastScan a novel artificial intelligence programme. Results Of 106 biopsies performed in 100 women, 65 were malignant and 41 were benign. Sensitivity of Sentinel screening (53%) and Sentinel neural network (48%) was low but analysis with NoTouch software (70%) was much closer to expert manual review (78%). Sensitivity (78%) and specificity (75%) using NoTouch BreastScan were higher in women under 50 and the combination of mammography and DIB, with NoTouch interpretation, in this age group resulted in a sensitivity of 89%. Conclusion DIB using NoTouch is an effective adjunctive test for breast cancer detection in women under 70 and appears to be particularly effective in women under 50 where maximal sensitivity (78%) and specificity (75%) were observed. The combined sensitivity of NoTouch BreastScan and mammography in women under 50 was encouraging at 89%, suggesting a potential way forward for a dual imaging approach in this younger age group.
ISSN:0748-7983
1532-2157
DOI:10.1016/j.ejso.2010.04.003