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Abstract

Benign breast disease is common among women and when symptomatic, surgical management is the preferred option for both clinicians and patients alike (Lakoma and Eugene, 2014). Elastography is a relatively new tool, which still appears to be little utilised in breast imaging. Its use, when applied in the clinical setting, can differentiate between benign and malignant pathology, in particular focal lesions. But how useful is this? And if useful, is it possible to arrive at a numerical value which may determine whether a lesion is likely to be benign or not? A small local study undertaken over one year has suggested that elastography is indeed useful clinically, and that it is possible to arrive at a numerical value which can be significant in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions, as long as it is used in conjunction with other modalities such as mammography and ultrasound. Age is also key factor to be taken account of in the analysis. Implementation of the technique outlined by this study could significantly reduce the numbers of benign breast biopsy undertaken, resulting in substantially lower financial costs for the medical services, and reducing the number of women suffering the anxiety of unnecessary procedures ultimately leading to benign outcomes.

Biography

Dawn McDonald completed her MSc in Medical Imaging, from Kingston University in 2008, and became a Consultant Mammographer soon afterwards. Working with the same autonomy and professionalism as a Consultant Breast Radiologist, she is responsible for all aspects of breast diagnosis within her unit, including breast interventional and film reading, and works closely with the surgical team. Currently, she is working at the James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth UK, and Imperial College London.