Computed tomography of breast lesions: comparison with x-ray mammography

Thirty-three patients with breast lesions demonstrated by mammography were examined with computed tomography (CT) using a standard whole body scanner. Although the CT images were of good diagnostic quality, the amount of new information gained was limited. The diagnostic accuracy of mammography in the hands of an experienced reader was higher than that with CT. We conclude that, although technically a whole body scanner is capable of producing good images of the breast, the number of patients in whom CT should be used instead of or in addition to mammography is limited. The indication for its use was primarily for patients in whom quality mammograms could not be produced because either the breast was unusually dense or extensive breast disease caused technical difficulties in performing mammograms. Computed tomography was also useful if the interpretation of the mammogram was equivocal, regional lymph node enlargement was questioned, invasion of the chest wall by tumor was suspected, and for planning radiotherapy treatment.