Manual or auto-mode: Does this affect radiation dose in digital mammography without compromising image quality?

IntroductionIn current practice, auto-filter exposure mode is used for most screening mammography examinations. However, with better understanding of the side effects of radiation, it is important to examine exposure parameters and practises to minimise radiation dose to patients. The purpose of this phantom study is to investigate the impact that different exposure modes (manual, auto-time and auto-filter) have on radiation dose, while maintaining images of diagnostic quality.MethodsThis study was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, 125 images were taken using a Gammex 156 phantom with polymethyl methacrylate blocks to reflect varying thicknesses (4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 cm). In the second stage, three mammographers independently assessed image quality and assigned scores based on the number of distinct fibers, masses and speck groups visible. Images with acceptable quality were further investigated in the third stage by comparing their average glandular dose (AGD) using the Kruskal–Wallis H test and Dunn's post-hoc pairwise analysis.ResultsSignificant differences in AGD were shown between the auto-filter mode and manual mode techniques for 6.0 cm, and between auto-time mode and manual mode techniques for 6.5 cm (p < 0.05).ConclusionFor 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 cm phantoms, as AGD was not significantly different among the different modes, the auto-filter may remain the most practical option. However, significant reductions in AGD were obtained for the 6.0 and 6.5 cm phantoms when manual mode techniques were used.Implications for practiceManual mode techniques can potentially provide dose-saving opportunity in 6.0 and 6.5 cm breast thickness though future work on human breast should be done to confirm this. Results from this study will support future research based on patient data.     

江苏省乳腺X射线摄影频度调查及乳腺癌风险评估

目的 调查估算江苏省乳腺X射线摄影的频度,进而估算乳腺摄影对江苏省女性人口的剂量负担,并评估乳腺摄影对江苏省各年龄组女性人口诱发乳腺癌的风险。方法 采用分层随机抽样调查的方法,通过调查30台乳腺摄影设备年检查人数和受检者年龄分布,估算全省乳腺摄影的频度,并计算乳腺摄影对女性人口的剂量负担。使用美国科学院电离辐射生物效应报告BEIR-Ⅶ中的超额归因风险（EAR）模型估算乳腺摄影检查对3个年龄组诱发乳腺癌的风险。结果 江苏省乳腺摄影检查的频度为3.77次/千人口;乳腺摄影对江苏省女性人口剂量负担为0.02 mGy/人。每次乳腺摄影检查对0~15岁组、16~40岁和>40岁3个年龄组的乳腺癌终生归因风险（LAR）分别为138/10万人、14.7/10万人和1.0/10万人。结论 乳腺摄影对人群乳腺癌诱发风险较小,但低年龄组的风险较大,提示针对低年龄乳腺摄影检查仍应慎重。     

A comparative study of pain experienced during successive mammography examinations in patients with a family history of breast cancer and those who have had breast cancer surgery

IntroductionTo measure mammography-related pain in two groups of women undergoing regular surveillance as a baseline for future care.MethodsFollowing ethical approval, two hundred and forty two women aged 32–84 years (mean 54), were invited by written invitation to participate in the study. Two hundred women accepted the invitation, 100 women had a family history (FH) of breast cancer, 100 had undergone conservative surgery (FU) for breast cancer and were currently asymptomatic. A validated pain scale was used to score the participants' perceived pain before compression based on memory, immediately after compression and one week later. A series of baseline parameters were also captured including compression force, breast size/density, menstrual history and any adverse events following mammography to allow the investigation of relationships.ResultsThere was a strong correlation (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) between previous pain scores and current pain scores, no significant correlations were found between breast size, breast density or total compression force and pain. Pain scores reduced between previous and current examinations and there was consistency in overall pain scores, despite variations in the compression forces applied.ConclusionPhysical side effects from mammography can develop and extend beyond the examination period. Patients' prior experience of pain was the only significant predictor of current pain in this study.Implications for practiceData on past mammography experiences are essential to improve future pain outcomes. Post-mammography aftercare should be a routine feature of the examination.     

Risk-Based Screening Mammography for Women Aged <40: Outcomes From the National Mammography Database

ObjectiveThere is insufficient large-scale evidence for screening mammography in women <40 years at elevated risk. This study compares risk-based screening of women aged 30 to 39 with risk factors versus women aged 40 to 49 without risk factors in the National Mammography Database (NMD).MethodsThis retrospective, HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board–exempt study analyzed data from 150 NMD mammography facilities in 31 states. Patients were stratified by 5-year age intervals, availability of prior mammograms, and specific risk factors for breast cancer: family history of breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, and dense breasts. Four screening performance metrics were calculated for each age and risk group: recall rate (RR), cancer detection rate (CDR), and positive predictive values for biopsy recommended (PPV₂) and biopsy performed (PPV₃).ResultsData from 5,986,131 screening mammograms performed between January 2008 and December 2015 in 2,647,315 women were evaluated. Overall, mean CDR was 3.69 of 1,000 (95% confidence interval: 3.64-3.74), RR was 9.89% (9.87%-9.92%), PPV₂ was 20.1% (19.9%-20.4%), and PPV₃ was 28.2% (27.0%-28.5%). Women aged 30 to 34 and 35 to 39 had similar CDR, RR, and PPVs, with the presence of the three evaluated risk factors associated with significantly higher CDR. Moreover, compared with a population currently recommended for screening mammography in the United States (aged 40-49 at average risk), incidence screening (at least one prior screening examination) of women aged 30 to 39 with the three evaluated risk factors has similar cancer detection rates and recall rates.DiscussionWomen with one or more of these three specific risk factors likely benefit from screening commencing at age 30 instead of age 40.     

MRI动态增强扫描对乳腺钼靶摄影中含簇状钙化灶良恶性病变的诊断鉴别价值

目的探讨磁共振(MRI)动态增强扫描对乳腺钼靶摄影(MG)中含簇状钙化灶良恶性病变的诊断鉴别价值。方法回顾性分析我院2013年2月至2018年6月收治的80例含簇状钙化灶乳腺病变患者MRI及MG影像学资料,并与术后病理结果进行对比,计算MRI动态增强与MG联合诊断乳腺含簇状钙化灶良恶性病变效能。结果MG诊断共有恶性病灶35个,良性病灶51个,MG联合MRI共诊断出恶性病灶38个,良性病灶48个,两种检测方法恶性病灶检出比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);MG联合MRI对含簇状钙化灶良恶性病变诊断灵敏度94.59%,特异度93.88%,准确度94.19%,阳性预测值92.11%,阴性预测值95.83%高于单独MG检测灵敏度72.97%,特异度83.67%,准确度79.07%,阳性预测值77.14%,阴性预测值80.39%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论MRI动态增强扫描对乳腺钼靶摄影中含簇状钙化灶良恶性病变的诊断价值高于单独的MG检测。     

Uptake of breast screening and associated factors among Hong Kong women aged ≥50 years: a population-based survey

ObjectiveTo examine the uptake of breast screening and its associated factors among Hong Kong Chinese women aged ≥50 years.Study designCross-sectional population-based survey.MethodsA sample of Hong Kong Chinese women was recruited through telephone random-digit dialling. The survey consisted of six sections: perceived health status, use of complementary medicine, uptake of breast screening, perceived susceptibility to cancer, family history of cancer and demographic data. The factors associated with uptake of breast screening were analysed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 1002 women completed the (anonymous) telephone survey. The mean age was 63.5 (standard deviation 10.6) years. The uptake rate of breast screening among Hong Kong Chinese women aged ≥50 years was 34%. The primary reasons for undertaking breast screening were as part of a regular medical check-up (74%), prompted by local signs and symptoms (11%) and a physician's recommendation (7%). Higher educational level, married or cohabiting, family history of cancer, frequent use of complementary therapies, regular visits to a doctor or Chinese herbalist, and the recommendation of a health professional were all independently and significantly associated with increased odds of having had a mammogram.ConclusionsThis study provides community-based evidence of the need for public health policy to promote broader use of mammography services among this target population, with emphasis on the active involvement of health care professionals, through the development and implementation of appropriate evidence-based and resource-sensitive strategies.     

乳腺普查方法的比较

目的探讨适合我国国情的乳腺普查的方法。方法回顾性分析2012年1月~2013年1月在我院乳腺查体的妇女820例的汇总资料,对触诊、超声和钼钯摄片的方法进行比较。结果触诊、超声和钼靶摄片对乳腺良性病特异性分别为90%、85%和90%;对乳腺癌准确性分别为86%、82%和86%。结论触诊、超声和钼靶摄片对乳腺疾病诊断是有效的、适合乳腺普查的方法,联合检查手段能够提高乳腺癌诊断的准确性。     

Breast cancer screening programmes: Challenging the coexistence with opportunistic mammography

Objective

This study investigated predictive factors of women's participation in organized mammography screening (OrgMS) and/or opportunistic mammography screening (OppMS) when the two screening modes coexist.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to 6,000 women aged 51–74 years old invited to attend an OrgMS session between 2010 and 2011 in France. Data collected concerned the women's healthcare behaviour and their socioeconomic characteristics. Women without a personal or family history of breast cancer that could explain their participation in OppMS were retained in the generalized logits analysis.

Results

The data of 1,202 women were analysed. Of these, 555 (46.2%) had attended OrgMS only, 105 (8.7%) OppMS only and 542 (45.1%) had performed both OrgMS and OppMS. Multivariable analyses showed that women who had regular gynaecological check-ups were more likely to perform OppMS only or both OrgMS and OppMS, OR 95% CI were 2.1 [1.1–3.9], 1.9 [1.4–2.6], respectively. Being employed also increased participation in OppMS only [OR: 2.1 (1.2–3.7)] or both OrgMS and OppMS [OR: 1.5 (1.1–2.05)].

Conclusion and practice implications

In countries where OrgMS and OppMS coexist, strategies involving gynaecologists, referring doctors or company doctors and the organization of healthcare services to promote adequate screening round may help to reduce the overuse of mammography.     

EMAS position statement: Individualized breast cancer screening versus population-based mammography screening programmes

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women, with slightly more than ten percent developing the disease in Western countries. Mammography screening is a well established method to detect breast cancer.

Aims

The aim of the position statement is to review critically the advantages and shortcomings of population based mammography screening.

Materials and methods

Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.

Results and conclusion

Mammography screening programmes vary worldwide. Thus there are differences in the age at which screening is started and stopped and in the screening interval. Furthermore differences in screening quality (such as equipment, technique, resolution, single or double reading, recall rates) result in a sensitivity varying from 70% to 94% between studies. Reporting results of screening is subject to different types of bias such as overdiagnosis. Thus because of the limitations of population-based mammography screening programmes an algorithm for individualized screening is proposed.     

位相对比乳腺摄影与全数字化乳腺摄影影像质量的比较研究

目的 探讨和比较位相对比乳腺摄影(Phase-contrast Mammography,PCM)与全数字化乳腺摄影(Full Field Digital Mammography,FFDM)的影像质量.方法 选用ACR RMI-156模型,分别于PCM乳腺摄影机与FFDM乳腺摄影机拍摄,除自动曝光条件,其余选用的曝光条件...