Our Summary

This research paper presents a new computer-based system called HATNet that can help pathologists diagnose breast cancer from biopsy images. This new system improves upon existing systems by being able to process very large images directly, instead of breaking them down into smaller parts first. It’s also able to learn from the structure of tissues in the images without needing any additional guidance or supervision. This system performed 8% better than the previous best system, and was able to match the accuracy of 87 US pathologists when tested. This suggests that it could be a valuable tool for reducing uncertainty and disagreement in cancer diagnoses.

FAQs

  1. What is the HATNet computer-based system used for?
  2. How does the HATNet system improve upon existing biopsy image processing systems?
  3. How does the accuracy of the HATNet system compare to that of US pathologists?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing a breast biopsy to stay calm and not worry too much, as the procedure is routine and typically only takes a short amount of time. They may also advise the patient to follow any post-biopsy care instructions carefully, such as avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a certain period of time. Additionally, the doctor may recommend staying in touch with them for any follow-up appointments or test results to ensure proper monitoring and treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for breast biopsy typically include those who have abnormal findings on a mammogram, ultrasound, or clinical breast exam. This includes patients with suspicious lumps or masses, changes in the shape or size of the breast, nipple discharge, or skin changes such as dimpling or redness. Patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer, as well as those with a genetic predisposition to the disease, may also be recommended for a breast biopsy. Additionally, patients who have had previous biopsies with inconclusive results may undergo a repeat biopsy to further investigate any abnormalities. Ultimately, the recommendation for a breast biopsy is made by a healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s specific circumstances and risk factors.

Timeline

Before a breast biopsy, a patient may undergo several steps including a physical examination, imaging tests such as mammograms or ultrasounds, and possibly a needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration to collect tissue samples for further analysis.

During the biopsy procedure, a small sample of tissue from the breast is collected and sent to a pathologist for examination. The pathologist will analyze the tissue sample under a microscope to determine if there are any abnormal cells present that could indicate breast cancer.

After the biopsy, the patient may experience some discomfort or pain at the biopsy site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week, at which point the patient will meet with their healthcare provider to discuss the findings and determine the next steps in their treatment plan.

If the biopsy results indicate breast cancer, the patient may undergo further tests to determine the stage of the cancer and develop a treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to ensure they receive the best possible care and support throughout their cancer journey.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of biopsy will be performed (e.g. core needle biopsy, fine needle aspiration, surgical biopsy)?
  2. What is the purpose of the biopsy and what are we looking for?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
  4. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the biopsy?
  5. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
  6. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  7. What will the biopsy results tell us about my condition?
  8. What are the possible outcomes of the biopsy and what are the next steps depending on the results?
  9. Is there anything I should watch for or be concerned about after the biopsy?
  10. Are there any additional tests or treatments that may be needed based on the biopsy results?

Reference

Authors: Mehta S, Lu X, Wu W, Weaver D, Hajishirzi H, Elmore JG, Shapiro LG. Journal: Med Image Anal. 2022 Jul;79:102466. doi: 10.1016/j.media.2022.102466. Epub 2022 Apr 27. PMID: 35525135