The American Society of Breast Surgeons
Effectiveness of a noninvasive digital infrared thermal imaging system in the detection of breast cancer

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2008.06.015Get rights and content

Abstract

Background

Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) has resurfaced in this era of modernized computer technology. Its role in the detection of breast cancer is evaluated.

Methods

In this prospective clinical trial, 92 patients for whom a breast biopsy was recommended based on prior mammogram or ultrasound underwent DITI. Three scores were generated: an overall risk score in the screening mode, a clinical score based on patient information, and a third assessment by artificial neural network.

Results

Sixty of 94 biopsies were malignant and 34 were benign. DITI identified 58 of 60 malignancies, with 97% sensitivity, 44% specificity, and 82% negative predictive value depending on the mode used. Compared to an overall risk score of 0, a score of 3 or greater was significantly more likely to be associated with malignancy (30% vs 90%, P < .03).

Conclusion

DITI is a valuable adjunct to mammography and ultrasound, especially in women with dense breast parenchyma.

Section snippets

Methods

Ninety-two women for whom a breast biopsy had been recommended on the basis of a previously suspicious mammogram or ultrasound were included in this 2-year study conducted at New York Presbyterian Hospital–Cornell. Informed consent was obtained from all patients and approval was obtained from our Institutional Review Board. Patients who were morbidly obese, had a bra size greater than DD, or had prior contralateral mastectomy were excluded due to technical limitations.

The examination was

Results

The study consisted of 94 biopsies in 92 female patients with an average age of 51 years (range 23–85). Of the 94 breast lesions, 60 were malignant (including 2 with lobular carcinoma in situ, since these tumors are considered stage 0) and 34 were benign on biopsy. As seen in Table 1, the majority of malignancies were infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IFDC). The median size of invasive tumors was 1.4 cm, with a range of .5–14 cm. Of 60 malignancies identified on biopsy, the SBS identified 58

Conclusion

In this prospective clinical trial of 92 women undergoing DITI with suspicious breast lesions identified on prior mammogram or ultrasound, we have shown that the SBS can detect breast pathology with sensitivity up to 97% and a negative predictive value of 82%. DITI is painless, noninvasive, does not emit harmful radiation, has no patient risk, provides immediate results, and is relatively inexpensive. Compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—an adjunctive diagnostic tool for breast

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