A hand-held scanner instead of a mammograph
Breast cancer ranks second in mortality among women and is the cause of 8.2% of total cancer deaths. Currently, mammography is used to detect this disease, which allows detecting up to 95% of tumors in patients older than 50 years. However, for women under the age of 50, who account for 20% of all breast cancer cases, the effectiveness of this method is about 60%. In addition, for mammography, patients have to visit the clinic, and only an experienced specialist can evaluate the results of the examination.
The portable radiofrequency scanner developed by specialists of the University of Manchester allows to carry out examination for the presence of malignant and benign breast tumors within a few seconds without leaving home, and in many cases to do without an extra dose of X-ray irradiation.
The new scanner works on the principle of a CT scanner, using the technology underlying the operation of a mobile phone. The low power of the device ensures the safety of the procedure for patients, as well as the cheapness of electronic components.
The difference in the principles of the two methods is that mammography reveals differences in tissue density, and radio frequency technology – dielectric contrast at the border of the tumor and healthy tissue. Pathologically altered tissue with higher conductivity is indicated in the resulting image in red. Every second, the scanner generates up to 30 images, which allows you to observe the scanning process in real time and receive a full-fledged video clip within a few seconds.
The developers note that there is no need to use any liquids or gels for the scanner to work, moreover, the procedure can be carried out even with a bra on. They admit that their brainchild still needs improvements, but they are confident that it will save the lives of millions of women.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of The University of Manchester: Portable Breast Scanner Allows Cancer Detection in the Blink of an Eye29.10.2010