2023-12-25 23:00:00
Photoacoustic mammography or PAM (PhotoAcoustic Mammography) is a new reliable imaging method for detecting breast cancer. The technique combines light and sound waves to take detailed images of breast tissue. It does not use ionizing radiation. This technique is currently being studied in several medical centers and has already proven itself. Photoacoustic imaging is a promising complement to existing methods for breast cancer diagnosis.
See also the article: Breast cancer: a simple blood test for screening?
What is a photoacoustic mammogram?
Breast cancer detection requires precise and reliable imaging. Photoacoustic mammography constitutes a very promising new diagnostic instrument. Non-ionizing laser pulses are emitted inside the tissues. If the laser light hits a blood vessel, the induced heat causes a slight increase in pressure, which in turn triggers a sound wave, recorded by the ultrasound machine. In this way, breast cancer can be detected earlier and more accurately thanks to the blood vessels surrounding a malignant tumor.
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How does it work?
Michelle Heijblom, head of the Dutch TechMed Academy, explains exactly how photoacoustic mammography works: “We emit light rays onto the chest. Fabrics absorb this light. All around a malignant tumor, blood cells absorb this light particularly well. This triggers a sound wave that the ultrasound can pick up. We are therefore able to know whether there is a tumor or not and where it is located. »
“Typically, breast examination is performed with harmful rays. This device does not emit any. Laser light is harmless to the body. In addition, the breasts are not compressed between two plates as is the case during a traditional mammogram. This new method is therefore less painful. It can be applied to a very large part of the population, both young and older women. »
Photoacoustic equipment is not yet fully developed. The technique needs to be refined but it has already been praised and rewarded on several occasions. “I think this technology can be used to screen large groups of women,” says Frank van den Engh, a radiologist at the Twente Medical Center. “We will try to attract the industry in order to continue the development of the equipment and to be able to market it. »
See also the article: Early detection: for which types of cancer?
What are the advantages ?
Photoacoustic mammography has many advantages:
High precision early detection. The combination of light and sound waves provides high-resolution, very detailed images, which allows rapid detection of breast lesions. The method is painless. Unlike traditional mammograms, it does not hurt, as the breasts are not compressed. Photoacoustic mammography is particularly effective on dense breasts, which is not the case with traditional techniques. The technique uses harmless light pulses. It does not use ionization or a contrast liquid and is therefore safer. It is an evolving technique. The technique and the instruments it uses can be easily adapted to examine other human organs. We have already designed some devices to detect rheumatism in the finger joints, for example.
See also article: Cancer survival rates have increased dramatically
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Last updated: December 2023
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