Mammography is an important screening method that detects breast cancer at an early stage. However, conventional X-rays can only identify lumps that are 10–12 mm across, because the similar densities of normal and cancer cells mean that only a large collection of tumour cells can be detected. Now, a new technology could allow lesions to be found when they are less than half that size.

Scientists at University College London, UK, led by Robert Speller, discovered that X-rays scatter in a unique way on contact with tumour cells, but not normal cells. The team developed a device to measure this effect — diffraction enhanced breast imaging (DEBI) — and initial results on normal tissue and tumour biopsies have been promising. Robert Speller told New Scientist magazine that “we should be able to pick up something from 4 mm in diameter”.

The device works by scanning the breast in the normal way, but it includes a second detector that measures the scatter. “The team now needs to work out how to build the extra detector and analysis electronics into existing mammography systems” (Health-news.co.uk, 20 February 2003).

Although this is a potential breakthrough that could improve breast cancer detection, further research is needed. “Andy Hanby, a breast pathologist from Leeds University, said the method needed to be put through clinical trials before its ability to detect smaller tumours is confirmed” (Health-news.co.uk), and Clara MacKay, at the UK charity Breast Cancer Care said that “these kinds of advances in early detection raise issues about appropriate management of such early lesions” (BBC News).