Improved visualization of breast cancer features in multifocal carcinoma using phase-contrast and dark-field mammography: an ex vivo study

• DOI: 10.1007/s00330-015-3773-5
• Publication Date: 2015-05-08T03:46:15Z
• Authors: Susanne Grandl; Kai Scherer; Anikó Sztrókay-Gaul; Lorenz Birnbacher; Konstantin Willer; Michael Chabior; Julia Herzen; Doris Mayr; Sigrid D. Auweter; Franz Pfeiffer; Fabian Bamberg; Karin Hellerhoff
• Keywords: Digital Mammography; Neuroradiology; Breast imaging

Conventional X-ray attenuation-based contrast is inherently low for the soft-tissue components of female breast. To overcome this limitation, we investigate diagnostic merits arising from dark-field mammography by means certain tumour structures enclosed within freshly dissected mastectomy samples. We performed grating-based absorption, absolute phase and three samples containing bi- multifocal carcinoma using a compact, laboratory Talbot-Lau interferometer. Preoperative in vivo imaging (digital mammography, ultrasound, MRI), postoperative histopathological analysis ex digital mammograms all were acquired verification our results. In diagnosis growth, seems superior to standard breast modalities, providing better resolution small, calcified nodules, demarcation boundaries with desmoplastic stromal response spiculated strands extending an invasive ductal cancer. On basis selected cases, demonstrate that capable outperforming conventional mammographic features both non-calcified tumours. Presuming dose optimization, results encourage further studies on larger patient cohorts identify those patients will benefit most promising additional modality. • provides significantly improved visualization sensitivity towards highly dispersed calcium grains