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Laser Mammogram

Updated: Fri 10:35 AM, Dec 13, 2002

Researchers have developed a new way to screen for breast cancer without needing a surgical biopsy to confirm the results.

It uses laser technology to provide doctors with three-dimensional images of the breast.

Mammograms have become the standard to detect forms of breast cancer in America. However, it can't tell if a growth is cancerous, sometimes it can't even tell if there's a growth at all.

If doctors suspect a growth is there, surgeons have to extract a piece of the breast through a biopsy, either by opening it up or using a needle.

Doctors say the procedure can be invasive, especially since 80 out of 100 biopsies can be negative.

Dr. Eric Milne of Imaging and Diagnostic Systems heads the research for an experimental test that may get rid of the need for a biopsy.

He says unlike standard mammograms, there's no pain squeezing the breast, no X-Rays to worry about and no waiting to find out if the patient's lump is cancerous.

It's called CT Laser Mammography and it's about to be presented to the government for approval.

The laser shines through the breast looking for any unusual blood vessels that feed cancerous tumors.

Results of the study will not be released to the public until after the FDA has reviewed them.

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