Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for Breast Imaging

This article reviews the many modalities used today in the screening and diagnostic work-up of breast cancer, the second most common cause of cancer (after skin cancer) and the second most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer) in women in the United States today.Newer technologies in breast imaging are also described, in particular the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) as developed at the University of Rochester Medical Center. CBCT is a three-dimensional imaging modality which has potential in the screening and diagnostic work-up of women who may have breast cancer. Pilot studies show good coverage of the breast with adequate visualization of parenchymal detail and acceptable radiation dose in comparison with the gold standard of mammography.