The increasing global warming and exposure to UV radiations had steered a rise in breast cancer and other breast-related diseases such as infection, lesions, fibrocystic, breast cyst, mastitis, breast hematoma, fibroadenoma, etc. These diseases torment not only the patients but also challenge the doctors in the process of locating them. Mammography is the most popular breast imaging technology used for detecting tumors. However, in some cases, the technology was realized absolute. To avoid this, operating companies are focusing on upgrading their technologies for innovation & improved results.
The surging prevalence of breast cancer cases, especially among women, has influenced the global breast imaging market with tremendous traction. Based on the current scenario, our expertise estimates this technological segment to evolve with 7.81% of CAGR between 2019 and 2027. Furthermore, the study also suggests that ionizing and non-ionizing will witness significant impacts in terms of expansion and revenue contribution.
Most Phenomenal Up-Gradation in Breast Imaging Technology are:
1. Contrast-Enhanced Digital Mammography:
The software and equipment upgraded mammography scanner produce two images. One is a standard 2D image, and the other is enhanced by the contrast agent that removes the healthy breast tissues and helps locate cancer. The comparison between the underlying images and CEDM images helps identify the cancer cells that are generally not found in mammography. It is currently used among women to determine the criticality of breast diseases and check the progress of chemotherapy.
2. Tomosynthesis:
Tomosynthesis helps to create a 3D image of the breast. It is efficient and has a high accuracy rate. It helps to locate cancer quickly with its high-definition picture. Tomosynthesis and mammography are highly recommended for women as it accelerates the screening and assist in determining lesions, cysts, and other breast-related diseases. It is more accurate than basic mammography.
3. Molecular Breast Specific Gamma Imaging:
It uses nuclear medicines to diagnose cancer cells. A short livid radioactive agent that reacts more with cancer cells is injected into the patient to help in detecting cancer. The technology does not scan the breast but notice the working of the tissues when the breast is stabilized on the detectors. The radioactive agent releases gamma rays that further produce gamma images. However, the reactivity of radioactive agents increases during the menstrual cycle, which complicates the interpretation. The technology is still at a preliminary stage, and its demand is anticipated to rise considerably.
4. Optical Imaging:
It uses continuous ultrasonic waves to obtain lymph node mapping images, observe the neoadjuvant response during chemotherapy, access tomographic images, and screen physiological and optical images of the breasts. It is done with or without a contrast agent. Optical imaging with contrast agents uses fluorescent tubes that help in better detection of early breast cancers. It uses non-ionizing technology and no radiation, which makes it cost-effective. It has seen a wider acceptance due to its affordability, unlike other imaging technologies that are still beyond the cost criteria of low-income groups, especially in developing nations.
5. Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound:
This technology is used along with mammography to detect cancer cells that are not easily located in mammography. It helps in identifying tumors in dense breasts. A machine performs an ultrasound, and in case of abnormality, handheld ultrasound is used for further evaluation. The ultrasonic waves can pass through the dense cells. Automated ultrasound can be used as an associate with mammography, but it cannot replace it.
6. Breast Thermology:
It uses infrared rays to detect the heat patterns in the body tissues. It quickly locates minor fluctuations in the vascular circulation around the breast tissues. It not only detects cancer but also locates other breast-related diseases like a cyst, lesion, etc. However, thermology can be used alongside mammography but cannot replace it due to its inaccurate results.
On the Whole,
Technological advancements have no doubt made it easier to expose the cancer cells and other breast-related issues, but at the same time, they are expensive. The high cost and strict regulations by various governments have hampered the growth of the global breast imaging market. However, despite these shortfalls, breast imaging technology will grow remarkably due to the need created by the prevailing cases of breast-related diseases.