Molecular Imaging

Images Physiology instead of anatomy...

in other words molecular imaging techniques

don't care about how Dense you are!

​

 

1.  Breast specific gamma imaging

                           (AKA:  BSGI)

Uses 99mTc Sestamibi which is actively taken up by the

mitochondria in your cancer cells, and emits light from

the area of the highest concentration of cancer cells.

Here is a perfect example of how Molecular Imaging 

just does not care about how DENSE you are... it only

cares about your cancer cells.

​

In the Images over there, you can see how the tumors are 

hidden in the mammogram, but are clearly seen as black 

spots on BSGI, especially in those dense breasts in A and B.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

2.  molecular breast imaging

(AKA: MBI)

Also uses 99mTc Sestamibi, but the

difference in Molecular Breast Imaging and

Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (i.e. above)

is that the camera uses a different - NEWER - technology

and is able to find even smaller clusters of cancer cells

taking up the Sestamibi!!!

​

​

Molecular Breast Imaging can pick up

even smaller tumors, like this one.........

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

3.  Positron emission mammography

(AKA:  PEM)

Uses positron technology (!!!WOW!!!)

to detect actively dividing cancer cells, using

18F-FDG, AKA:  RADIOACITVE SUGAR.

​

This technique is so amazing, it can detect 

tumors as small as 2 (yes TWO), millimeters

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​