Another imaging device yet to be approved by the FDA is the Computed Tomography Laser Mammography (CTLM). Already available internationally, this device is a non-invasive and painless breast imaging system that uses laser technology instead of harmful radiation or painful compression. Unlike the black and white mammogram, CTLM provides a colorful three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the breast. During the examination a patient lies face down on a table with one breast suspended freely in the scanning chamber. A laser beam scans the entire breast in 4 mm increments for a period of up to 15 minutes. The diagnostic approach lies in the theory that malignant tumors develop more blood vessels which absorb more of the laser light and produce a whiter image than tissue in the surrounding areas. Because preliminary indications show that CTLM could reduce the amount of false positives due to its effectiveness at differentiating between cysts and tumors, a number of the 700,000 out of 800,000 annual biopsies reporting normal results could be avoided. Yuri Parisky, director of the breast-imaging services at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles concurs. “If we can say with 100 percent accuracy that 20 to 30 percent of these [cases] shouldn’t go to biopsy, we save some money and save some patients from needless worry.” The CTLM test is expected to cost patients about $150.

Bay Area Image Checker Sites

Breast Care Center at the Community
Monterey, CA 93940, Phone: 831-622-2760

California Pacific Medical Center
Phone: 415-750-6198

Hazel Hawkins Hospital
Phone: 831-636-2650

Kaiser Permanente
Phone: 650-299-2000

Kaiser Permanente
Phone: 415-833-0035

Mammography Specialists Medical Corporation
Phone: 408-356-6611

Palo Alto Medical Clinic
Phone: 650-853-2955

Queen of the Valley Hospital
Phone: 707-257-4036

Redwood Regional Medical Group
Phone: 707-525-4030

Stanford University Medical Center
Phone: 650-725-9412

Sutter Novato Community Hospital
Phone: 415-209-1500

Spring 2003