Dipa Harish Patel MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Canadian researchers performing digital mammography using computed radiography (CR) technology noticed lower breast cancer detection rates than traditional film-screen mammogrpahy published a study in Radiology on May 14, 2013. The study comprised of 403,688 women screened with CR technology vs 220, 520 using DR technology. To corroborate this study, a retrospective review of cases performed at a single breast center using CR technology for 3 years was compared to detection rates using film screen methodology for 2 prior years. The results were then compared to detection rates using Digital Breast Tomosynthesis in an effort to chronicle detection rates.  

An analysis was performed for a single fellowship trained breast imaging reader (16 years breast imaging experience) at a dedicated breast imaging center using three different mammography techniques. Breast cancer detection rates were compared for two years from 2008-2009 (13,228 screening mammograms) for film screen mammography. Breast cancer detection rates were compared for two years from 2010-2012 (14,106 screening mammograms) using CR technology. Breast cancer detection rates for one year using digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) was used (2835 screening mammograms) for comparison with film screen and CR technology.

Breast cancer detection rate for film screen mammogram: 2008 was 3.2 (6604 exams), in 2009 was 2.0 (6624 exams). Breast cancer detection rate for CR digital mammogram:   2010 was 2.8 (6384 exams), in 2011 was 1.7 (7722 exams). Breast cancer detection rate for DBT/tomosynthesis:          2013 was 6.0 (2835 screening exams). The detection rates fell from 2008 to 2010 by 12.5% and 46.9% from 2008 to 2011 (max and min change) with CR. Tomosynthesis (DBT) detection rates increased from CR by 114% from 2010 to 252% from 2011. Tomosynthesis (DBT) detection rates increased from film screen by 87.5% in 2008 to 200% from 2009.

There is significant increase in breast cancer detection rates using digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) on multiyear comparison with both film screen technique and CR technique. There is significant decrease in detection rates with CR technique from both film screen technique and DBT/tomosynthesis imaging.

We can expect significant increased breast cancer detection rates with DBT/tomosynthesis from screen film and CR technique.

Patel, D, Comparison of Detection Rates from Screen Film to CR to Digital Breast Tomosynthesis--A 7 Year Review.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14012432.html