Science News Archive

New Breast Cancer Detection Method

Scientists at the University of Minnesota have been investigating a new technique to diagnose breast cancer. MRI or Magnetic Resonance imaging using radiowaves is used to detect breast lumps and spectroscopy is used to detect tissue choline molecules (tCHO) which accumulate in cancer cells. This technique is known as MRS or magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In the future this technique may be used and could avoid the need for a breast lump biopsy. So far the scientists have looked at 105 women, and the study is ongoing, so watch this space. For now women in the UK will continue to be investigated by mammography, ultrasound, and FNA.

23rd Nov 2003