The Newest Breast-Imaging Technologies

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Breast Cancer RadarSM (BCR) www.interstitial-llc.com/

Early clinical studies suggest that radio wave signals, similar to those in cell phones and radar, can pick up breast cancers that may be missed on mammography.

Computerized Thermal Imaging (CTI) www.cti-net.com

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A painless exam that uses a heat-sensitive camera to identify "hot spots" in the breast. Currently seeking FDA approval as an adjunct to mammography.

CT Laser Mammography (CTLM) www.imds.com

A painless, radiation-free method that uses laser light to create a 3-D image of the breast. CTLM is now awaiting FDA approval as an adjunct to mammography.

Digital Mammography www.gemedicalsystems.com/rad/whc/products/mswh2000d.html

Two-dimensional images of the breast that are recorded in computer code instead of on x-ray film. Physicians can alter the contrast, magnification and brightness. The first digital mammography system received FDA approval for routine breast screening in 2000.

Electrical Impedance Scanning www.transscan.co.il

Malignant breast tissue conducts electricity much better than normal breast tissue does. T-Scan 2000, an electrical impedance scanning device, uses a handheld probe and computer to create 2-D images of the breast. Currently in clinical trials.

ImageChecker www.r2tech.com

A "second pair of eyes" for radiologists. The computer-aided cancer detection system scans a mammogram and highlights suspicious areas. The method was recently approved by the FDA for use with digital mammography.

Handheld Optical Tomography www.arrs.org/pressroom/archive/2002/r020429c.html

University of Pennsylvania radiologist Saroja Adusumilli is studying whether a handheld imager using near-infrared light can distinguish a benign mass from a malignancy.--Kelli A. Miller

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