How many mamograms are done in a day/ month at RGCI & RC?
| Dr Arvind K Chaturvedi |
In a day, we do about 12 to 15 mammograms. In a month, approximately 30 new breast cancer patients come to RGCI. In Indian metro cities, breast cancer appears to be the most widespread cancer among women— even leaving behind cervical cancer.
Why did you choose to install this new machine at the hospital?
We installed this new machine to remain at the forefront of technology and for more accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis is a step forward in breast cancer detection which can help spot cancers in dense breasts also as the breast is virtually sliced into multiple images in this imaging procedure. The X-ray arm sweeps in an arc over the breast to capture 30-40 images of each breast. The number of biopsies is drastically reduced as compared to after a mammography and the images are acquired in a single compression.
Is tomosynthesis the new gold standard in breast cancer imaging?
Yes, I think it is the new gold standard in breast imaging, particularly for dense breasts. The conventional monogram technology delivers a two-dimensional image of the breast which is then followed by continual investigation and at times unnecessary biopsies. Especially in the case of breasts with higher density which are composed of pockets of dense tissues surrounded by fat, overlapping of tissues makes it critical to judge the tiny spots called micro calcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.
How much does the machine cost as compared to a mammography machine?
The tomosynthesis machine costs about 250 per cent more than normal mamography machines.
As compared to mamography what radiation doses the patient is exposed to during tomosynthesis exam?
Compared to mamography, the patient is exposed to almost same radiation dose during tomosynthesis.
What is the accuracy of tomosynthesis as compared to mamography?
Tomosynthesis has about 70 per cent higher accuracy in dense breasts imaging. The accuracy comes down if the breasts are very fatty where mammography also does a good job.
When do oncologists suggest tomosynthesis? Is it done simultaneously with mamography for all patients?
Oncologists usually requests for tomosynthesis when mammography creates a doubt or when breast density is high.
How long does it take for tomosynthesis imaging?
The entire procedure from undressing and changing into a gown will take about 10 minutes while the actual exposure lasts only a few seconds.
What are the benefits of tomosynthesis for the patients?
The patient will benefit from a confident diagnosis and early detection of breast cancer. Also unnecessary biopsy is avoided due to accurate diagnosis using this technique.
How much would this tomosynthesis examination cost at RGCI & RC?
It would cost Rs 3000 for tomosynthesis and Rs 4000 when tomosynthesis is done in addition to mammograhy.