Breast light scanning: a real-time breast-imaging modality

A total of 450 patients was referred for real time transillumination of both breasts. Of these, 84 were investigated by either cyst aspiration or excisional biopsy within two months of the breast light scan. Fourteen malignant and 70 benign lesions were correctly diagnosed by light scanning preoperatively. X-ray mammography produced four false negative results in this same group of patients. Two of the malignant lesions diagnosed by light scanning were not palpable. Light scanning had a sensitivity of .93 in the detection of breast cancer and a specificity of .89 in this study, following correlation with biopsy or cyst aspiration. Although mammography is still the reference technique in breast screening, real time light scanning by an experienced operator and interpreter should be an important adjunct in any clinic responsible for evaluating breast disease. The technique has the advantage of being safe, painless, noninvasive, and using no ionizing radiation. The technique is also acceptable to patients. It requires no preparation, and examination time rarely exceeds 15 minutes.