Quantification of the Benefits of Pendant Mammography
Abstract
High quality mammographic images enhance the radiologist's ability to interpret mammograms. Image quality is dependent upon adequate visualization and inclusion of tissue, adequate exposure, contrast and resolution, and proper compression. Meeting these criteria is essential to detection of cancer, since 73% of cancers are located in the peripheral or retroglandular fat. Pendant mammography, is a procedure whereby the patient leans forward 15 to 25 degrees during mammography, pulling the breast away from the body, and thereby increasing the amount of retroglandular breast tissue evident on mammogram. We propose to test the benefits of pendent mammography by imaging 250 women by acquiring both conventional and pendant mammograms. We will then perform a quantitative analysis of the mammograms, to determine the effect of leaning on the amount of breast tissue imaged, the compression obtained, and the dose to the breast. Fifty-one patients have enrolled in this study as of September 30, 2004. Reader studies of resultant images have begun. We are awaiting approval from USAMRMC to establish a subaward with Dr. Andrew Maidment at the University of Pennsylvania to digitize and begin physical analysis of the images.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA434055
Entities
People
- Catherine Piccoli
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University