New and improved breast imaging technology is now being used in north Cumbria
The innovative process called Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography is more sensitive in picking up certain cancers than mammograms alone.
Dr Louise Dodgeon Clinical Director of Radiology, Lead Clinician Breast Radiology for North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust, explained:
“We are really excited about this and we are among the first in the north of England to invest in the new technology. Using Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) means a better patient experience as they take far less time than breast MRI and there are no concerns of claustrophobia.”
The technology uses x-ray to take images much quicker and more clearly, particularly for people who have dense breast tissue such as younger people.
Dr Dodgeon explained: “In mammograms tissue is shown as white and the more dense the tissue the whiter the image. Cancers are also shown as white so sometimes cancers can be masked by breast mammograms.
“This technology uses an iodine contrast that is injected into the vein which then flows through blood stream. The x-ray technology then takes images to show where the blood is flowing to. As cancers have their own blood supply when the image shows a high density of blood flow to an area we can see the cancer. When you compare the two images from the mammogram and CESM it gives you a much clearer image of the likelihood of cancer and the extent of cancer.
“The improved technology means we can now detect breast cancer sooner in some patients. With all cancers, the sooner we can diagnose and treat, the more likely patients will fully recover.”
The Trust is currently offering the scanning to specific patients in addition to breast MRI before rolling out more widely.
Dr Dodgeon explained: “We are using both CESM, breast MRI and standard mammography imaging techniques together so we can build up a picture to understand which patients will most benefit from the new process. Then in future we will be able to make sure those patients are prioritised for this scanning.”
Judith Clark, Breast Imaging Manager said: “Introducing this new technology to our suite of diagnostic options will improve cancer pathways and the numbers of people we are able to scan.
“We are one of the few hospital Trusts in the north of England that can offer this technology. We are extremely proud and we are now looking forward to hosting and supporting professionals from other Trusts to show them how we are using it to help them share best practice.”
The new scanning is available at the Cumberland Infirmary and will be available for patients across north Cumbria. It has been funded through the Northern Cancer Alliance.