RCC to get advanced imaging, biopsy unit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) here is all set to surge ahead in the detection of breast cancer with the establishment of an advanced breast imaging and biopsy unit. The unit includes full-field digital mammography that gives clearer pictures and prone table biopsy that is exclusively used for breast biopsy with minimal discomfort to a patient. While traditional film-screen mammography is more like photography, where low-energy x-rays exiting from a breast are absorbed on films to create an image, in digital mammography, the x-rays are recorded by means of an electronic digital detector instead of the film. ‘’The advantage is that the moment the patient is exposed, the picture appears on screen. There is no time delay and while previously we could do only about 15, now we can do double the number,’’ said Dr Sumod Mathew Koshy, assistant professor at the RCC.The high resolution pictures can be displayed on a workstation and the image can be manipulated.  The radiologist can zoom in, magnify, change the contrast of the breast image, or view it in slices, resulting in more precise images and helping reduce the need for repeat screenings. The advantage is that even the smallest of tumours can be detected quite early, even before it becomes a lump or a mass, and an early treatment would obviously mean a  better chance of recovery.The most important advantage of digital mammography is the ability to “see” certain breast tumours that are difficult to identify on a standard mammogram. Studies show that along with superior image quality, digital mammograms greatly benefit women who are younger than 50 and have dense breasts.The prone table biopsy reduces patient discomfort to a minimum while doing a biopsy. ‘’The patient has to lie on a table face down. The table has a hole at the position of the breast. Once the patient is comfortable on the table, we will raise it so that we can work from under the table. The local anaesthesia and the biopsy are done out of the sight of the patient,’’ explained Dr Sumod.The new equipment also comes with an ultrasound scan that would help in faster diagnosis.