| abstract |
A method and apparatus are provided for examining the breast for suspicious lesions. The apparatus includes a gamma-ray camera and an attachment mechanism for incorporating the gamma-ray camera as part of the breast compression fixture. The gamma-ray camera is both part of the breast compression fixture and a gamma-ray imaging system for providing an image of radiotracer distribution in the breast. The apparatus for incorporating the gamma-ray camera into the breast compression fixture assures minimum distance between the lesion in the compressed breast tissue and the gamma-ray camera. All unnecessary materials are removed from between the compressed breast and the gamma-ray camera. The apparatus also allows for positioning of the breast in different manners between the imaging sessions to obtain multiple projection views of the breast and to view the lesion with the least separation from the detector. The small camera when positioned directly against the breast allows for breast imaging without the remainder of the body in the background. The apparatus allows for the alignment of the breast and the gamma camera head in a fixed position during each imaging session. Typical views of the breast taken with the apparatus are similar to those used in mammographic projections. The attachment mechanism includes an electrical connector matching a mating connector on the mammography machine in order to enable the compression mechanism. |