Cone beam CT for determining breast cancer margin: an initial experience and its comparison with mammography and specimen radiograph

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of cone beam CT (CBCT) in determining the breast cancer margin using, to compare the results with mammography and specimen radiography, and to explore the clinical potential of CBCT for breast imaging.

METHODS: Specimens of 46 breast cancer patients were imaged by using a prototype CBCT system. Each patient underwent mammography, CBCT and X-ray of breast surgical specimen within 6 months. Images of mammography, breast surgical specimen radiography and CBCT were evaluated by an experienced radiologist. Indicators, such as: morphology, glitch, density, invasion, structural distortion and calcification, were observed.

RESULT: There was no significant difference of the calcification, glitch and morphology among three methods. However, there was significant difference in indicators of breast tumor invasion among three methods. There was statistical significance in detecting invasions of breast cancer cells in peripheral tissues among three methods.

CONCLUSION: CBCT shows no superiority over mammography and specimen radiography in determining tumor's outline and detecting calcification. On the other hand, CBCT demonstrates its advantage in determining the 3 dimensional position of a lesion which could be a potential clinical application in future practices of breast imaging.