The role of computed tomography in the selection of breast cancer treatment

Breast Cancer. 2003;10(3):198-203. doi: 10.1007/BF02966718.

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) is one of the most sensitive imaging modalities. CE-CT plays a role in the following: (1) to determine the extent of breast cancer to select the appropriate breast conserving treatment (BCT). The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of extensive intraductal component (EIC) by CE-CT were 82-88% and 75-89%, respectively. The pathological extent of tumors significantly correlated with the extension revealed by CE-CT; (2) to determine the extent of resection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which is difficult to assess by other modalities; (3) to diagnose axillary lymph node metastasis. The sensitivity and specificity are 79-90% and 70-89%, respectively; (4) to identify occult breast cancer with axillary metastasis and to diagnose local recurrence after BCT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / standards*