Using X-rays to Measure Tumor Depth in Breast Cancer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Chitapanarux I, Muttarak M, Na-Chiangmai W, Trakultivakorn H, Somwangprasert A, Kamnerdsupaphon P, Tharavichitkul E, Sukthomya V, Lorvidhaya V, Watcharawipha A
Primary Institution: Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Hypothesis
Can radiographic plain film be used to determine the depth of the tumour bed in the absence of surgical clips for breast boost planning?
Conclusion
Radiographic film can help define the depth of the tumor bed when surgical clips are not available, but it should be used alongside ultrasound for better accuracy.
Supporting Evidence
- 85% of patients had shorter depth dimensions by ultrasound compared to radiographic film.
- The absolute mean difference in depth measurements was 0.129 cm.
- A significant correlation was found between ultrasound and radiographic film measurements (p<0.01).
Takeaway
Doctors can use X-rays to see how deep a tumor is in the breast, even if they didn't put in special clips during surgery, but they should also use another method called ultrasound to get a better picture.
Methodology
The study compared ultrasound and radiographic film measurements of tumor bed depth in 41 breast cancer patients without surgical clips.
Limitations
The study only measured depth and did not assess the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of the tumor bed.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 45 years, with a range from 27 to 58 years; most patients received chemotherapy before radiotherapy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.27
Confidence Interval
(-0.103 - 0.03)
Statistical Significance
p=0.27
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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