Ultrasound method may supplant biopsies

[Imalittleteapot]

An experimental ultrasound technique that measures how easily breast lumps compress and bounce back could enable doctors to determine instantly whether a woman has cancer or not — without having to do a biopsy.

In a small study of 80 women, the technique, called "elastography," distinguished harmless lumps from malignant ones with nearly 100 percent accuracy.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/detecting_breast_cancer

Having recently had a breast biopsy, I understand the importance of this new technology.

:woohoo:

[OzarkDem]

1. Wow, that would be great!

Though I'm still waiting for the blood or saliva test, too.

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=13566741

[Imalittleteapot]

2. My saliva was

analyzed years ago for Graves disease (the only thing I have in common with Barbara Bush). I don't think they use that method anymore.

Wouldn't it be great if all you had to do is to spit into a cup to get a diagnosis?

[OzarkDem]

3. Reading more about this

It looks very promising for this technology. In its first clinical trial, there was 100% accuracy, meaning of all the cases in the experimental group, it detected breast cancer in every case. That's pretty darn good.

It is also cheaper than excisional and some other forms of biopsy, only about $100 or so per patient, which is very inexpensive.

This one may have some promise, as opposed to digital mammography which isn't much more accurate than regular mammography and is much more expensive.

[pecwae]

4. This is wonderful news

for all those facing biopsies. I've had two punch biopsies in the past 3 years and everyone told me how much easier they were than open bx. Maybe so, but both were painful experiences and I always wondered if they didn't do harm to the breast, It's about time that breasts bxs. can be done accurately without pain or tissue damage.