Our Summary

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so early detection is key to improving survival rates. Techniques like mammography and ultrasound imaging scans are commonly used to identify potential cancerous lesions. If a lesion is found, a breast biopsy (where a small tissue sample is taken for further analysis) is performed. This is usually guided by an ultrasound to ensure the needle is accurately placed. However, the exact placement of the needle can be difficult to determine, sometimes leading to unsuccessful biopsies.

In this study, researchers evaluated a system that uses sensors to accurately determine the needle’s angle and position relative to the ultrasound probe. Initial lab tests were conducted to check the accuracy of each sensor under controlled conditions. The researchers then conducted practical experiments with the ultrasound probe.

The results showed that the angle sensor had a very small margin of error (0.48 degrees) and the displacement sensor (which measures the needle’s position) also had a very small margin of error (0.26mm) after being calibrated. However, when tested with the ultrasound probe, the displacement sensor’s margin of error increased slightly due to mechanical reasons.

Despite this, the system showed great promise for accurately locating the needle during ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, suggesting it could be valuable in a clinical setting where precise needle placement is crucial.

FAQs

  1. What is the importance of early detection in breast cancer?
  2. How can the system using sensors improve the accuracy of breast biopsies?
  3. What were the results of the study in terms of the accuracy of the sensors?

Doctor’s Tip

The doctor might advise the patient that this new technology could potentially improve the accuracy of their breast biopsy procedure, leading to more precise and successful results. This could help reduce the need for repeat biopsies and provide a quicker and more accurate diagnosis. The patient should discuss this option with their healthcare provider to see if it is available at their medical facility.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for a breast biopsy typically include those with suspicious findings on mammography or ultrasound imaging scans, such as:

  1. Women with a breast lump or mass that is concerning for cancer
  2. Women with abnormal breast changes, such as thickening, skin changes, or nipple discharge
  3. Women with a personal or family history of breast cancer
  4. Women with a previous biopsy showing atypical or suspicious cells
  5. Women with a history of radiation therapy to the chest
  6. Women with a genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2

It is important for these patients to undergo a breast biopsy to accurately diagnose any potential cancerous lesions and determine the appropriate treatment plan. The use of advanced technologies, such as the sensor-guided system evaluated in the study, can help improve the accuracy and success rate of breast biopsies, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

Timeline

Before the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes mammography or ultrasound imaging scan.
  2. A suspicious lesion is identified during the imaging scan.
  3. The patient is scheduled for a breast biopsy to collect a tissue sample for further analysis.

After the breast biopsy:

  1. The patient is prepared for the biopsy procedure.
  2. The ultrasound probe is used to guide the biopsy needle to the lesion.
  3. The tissue sample is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  4. The patient may experience mild discomfort or pain at the biopsy site.
  5. The results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week.
  6. Depending on the results, further treatment or monitoring may be recommended by the healthcare provider.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast biopsy include:

  1. What is the purpose of the breast biopsy?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed?
  3. Are there any risks or potential complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
  4. How accurate is the ultrasound-guided biopsy technique being used?
  5. How will the results of the biopsy be communicated to me?
  6. What are the next steps if the biopsy results show cancerous cells?
  7. Are there alternative options to biopsy that I should consider?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional tests after the biopsy?
  9. How long will it take to get the biopsy results?
  10. What should I expect in terms of recovery after the biopsy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Real A, Morais P, Barbosa LCN, Gomes-Fonseca J, Oliveira B, Moreira AHJ, Vilaca JL. Journal: Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2022 Jul;2022:865-868. doi: 10.1109/EMBC48229.2022.9871148. PMID: 36085709