A protocol for imaging axillary lymph nodes in patients undergoing breast-specific gamma-imaging.

Unlabelled: The development of small-field-of-view, breast-optimized, gamma-camera designed for breast scintigraphy has resulted in improved breast lesion detection-particularly for lesions smaller than 1 cm. However, unlike with the standard gamma-camera, these images do not include the axilla within the field of view.

Methods: Because of the effectiveness of breast scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-sestamibi in the detection of axillary lymph node metastases, this article describes the development of an axillary imaging protocol for these small-field-of-view systems.

Breast-specific gamma-imaging: molecular imaging of the breast using 99mTc-sestamibi and a small-field-of-view gamma-camera.

Breast-specific gamma-imaging (BSGI), also known as molecular breast imaging, is breast scintigraphy using a small-field-of-view gamma-camera and (99m)Tc-sestamibi. There are many different types of breast cancer, and many have characteristics making them challenging to detect by mammography and ultrasound. BSGI is a cost-effective, highly sensitive and specific technique that complements other imaging modalities currently being used to identify malignant lesions in the breast.