Abstract

Amran MAR, Fatimah M
Breast Centre, International Islamic University of Malaysia Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre

The aim of this study was to quantify the clinical value of using electrical impedance scanning (EIS) or Trans Scan as an adjunct to mammography to identify cancerous tissue based up on its inherent altered local dielectric properties.

The study was conducted at the University Malaya Medical Center between November 2001 and December 2003. The study population was derived from patients with suspicious breast lesions categorized as BIRADS 3 or 4 detected during mammography or ultrasound. The patients were examined using Trans Scan (Trans Scan Medical, Ltd., Migdal Ha’Emek, Israel; distributed by Siemens AG) A total of 53 patients underwent electrical impedance scanning or Trans Scan examination and the findings were compared with biopsy results. Exclusion criteria for this study included patients who had previous breast biopsy, patients who have cardiac pacemakers and pregnant patients.

Histological findings showed 15 malignant and 38 benign lesions. Thirteen of 15 malignant lesions were correctly identified using EIS (86.6% sensitivity). Thirty-three of 38 benign lesions were correctly identified (81.5% specificity). Negative and positive predictive values of 93.9% and 65% were observed respectively.

EIS is a promising non-invasive adjunct to mammography and breast ultrasound in as it may reduce the need for biopsy of some benign or equivocal lesions. More studies with larger number of patients are necessary to verify the above results. These should address whether histopathological changes associated with proliferative disease, hyperplasia or metaplasia induce an increased conductance.