Combined optical and X-ray tomosynthesis breast imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Breast Cancer Research

Background:

• Accurate breast lesion characterization is crucial for reducing unnecessary biopsies.
• Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) offers improved visualization of breast tissue.
• Optical imaging provides physiological information about tissue composition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the optical properties of normal and lesion-bearing breasts using a combined optical and DBT system.
• To correlate optical parameters with tissue characteristics identified by DBT.
• To assess the potential of combined imaging for differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions.

Main Methods:

• A combined optical and DBT imaging system was used on 189 breasts from 125 subjects.
• Three-dimensional (3D) maps of total hemoglobin concentration (Hb(T)), oxygen saturation (So(2)), and scattering coefficients were generated.
• Optical data was coregistered with DBT images, and statistical analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Normal breast tissue optical properties (Hb(T), So(2), scattering) were mapped and correlated with fibroglandular volume.
• Malignant tumors exhibited significantly higher Hb(T) compared to surrounding fibroglandular tissue.
• Benign lesions and cysts showed lower Hb(T) contrast than malignant tumors.

Conclusions:

• Combined optical and DBT imaging provides structurally consistent data.
• Distinct optical contrasts (Hb(T) and scattering) differentiate malignant from benign breast lesions.
• This approach may help reduce false-positive mammography findings and unnecessary biopsies.