Gamma Camera Helps Detect Breast Cancer

A high-resolution, compact gamma camera is optimized to perform a molecular breast imaging procedure that images the metabolic activity of breast lesions through radiotracer uptake. Breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) can see lesions independent of tissue density and discover early stage cancer.

With BSGI, the patient receives a pharmaceutic tracing agent that is absorbed by all the cells in the body. Cancerous cells, with their increased rate of metabolic activity in the breast, absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent than normal, healthy cells. They generally appear as dark spots on the BSGI image--enabling doctors to make better decisions about the presence or absence of cancer in high-risk patients or for those who present with inconclusive mammograms.

Philips Healthcare (Eindhoven, The Netherlands) has entered into an agreement with Dilon Diagnostics (Newport news, VA, USA) to sell and support the Dilon 6800 gamma camera in European and Middle Eastern markets. The compact camera technology, related products and services are used as an adjunct to mammography for the detection of breast cancer. They complement Philips women's health solutions.

Philips displayed its women's imaging technology, including the Dilon 6800, at the Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine in Barcelona, (Spain) from October 10-14, 2009. The joint exhibition at this congress marked the launch of the partnership between Dilon and Philips.

Related Links:
Philips Healthcare
Dilon Diagnostics