Esteban van Keulen (right) and Hester Keuss (middle) administer contrast fluid
Contrast mammography: new research method for detecting breast cancer
The team of specialists at the Breast Cancer Center has recently started using a new research method to detect breast cancer. It is now possible to administer contrast fluid during a chest X-ray. This makes possible deviations even more noticeable.
Radiologist Esteban van Keulen and physician assistant Hester Keuss are happy with the new application. Van Keulen: ‘This so-called contrast mammography is a further development of the existing mammography. Before the examination, you will receive contrast fluid into your bloodstream. This gives us an even better view of suspicious abnormalities at the Breast Cancer Center. The devices and software have been adjusted to make the contrast visible. And we are pleased that we are also at the forefront of this technology in the Netherlands.’
What is the advantage of this research?
Esteban van Keulen: ‘We look for abnormalities on an X-ray of the chest. These abnormalities are usually white or gray, like normal glandular tissue, against a dark background of fatty tissue. These deviations are clearly visible in many photos. But about 8% of women in the population survey (and even more in our center) have a lot of normal glandular tissue. Then you look for white abnormalities on a white background, which is really difficult. This new method with contrast fluid offers a lot of help because the abnormality stands out much more.’
The same breast: normal mammography on the left and contrast mammography on the right. How much more clarity is there?
Hester Keuss: ‘Look: above you see two photos of exactly the same breast. The left photo is a photo without contrast. The dense glandular tissue makes it difficult to see where the abnormalities are. On the right you see the photo with contrast. Do you see the difference? The abnormality is clearly visible, you hardly need to be a radiologist for that.’
Will everyone now receive a photo with contrast?
Esteban van Keulen: ‘Not that and it is not always necessary. The examination takes a little more time and therefore has the disadvantage that iodine-containing contrast is used via an infusion. Pressing the chest is still necessary.’
When else will you get a contrast photo?
Hester Keuss: ‘In different situations. Suppose that an abnormality is visible in your photo during the breast cancer screening. Then you come to us through a referral. Previously, you first received photos, an ultrasound and perhaps an unnecessary puncture. And now you get a contrast mammography and you get clarity more often in one go without additional actions.’
Are MRI examinations still necessary?
Esteban van Keulen: ‘In principle, we do not do this new research in women with breast prostheses or a gene with a high risk of breast cancer. Sometimes it is difficult to see how large and extensive a deviation is. Until now, we always made an MRI scan. Such an MRI scan takes longer, has a longer waiting time and is not suitable for people with a pacemaker or claustrophobia. For these situations we now use the contrast photo. We will certainly continue to do MRI research. A contrast agent in the bloodstream is also necessary. The sensitivity to detect breast cancer is almost equally good with both methods (MRI and contrast mammography).’
Esteban van Keulen: ‘In short: we have been given additional options that help us detect breast cancer as effectively as possible. And just as important of course: to be able to rule this out better!’
Performing the contrast mammography
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women: as many as one in seven women are affected by it. Watch this broadcast in which the specialists from the Tergooi MC Breast Cancer Center tell everything about the treatment options.
2023-12-07 08:17:52
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