Finding Breast Tumors More Accurate in 3-D
dentifying breast tumors may soon be easier, clearer and more
accurate with a pair of 3-D glasses and software from Ames Research Center that combines a
series of scans to form a high fidelity 3-D computerized picture, or "reconstruction," of a
breast and tumor.
Each high fidelity 3-D picture is known as a ''reconstruction,'' a computerized object that a physician wearing 3-D glasses can see from all angles on a computer monitor.
''These reconstructions are highly accurate 3-D visual models of affected breasts with tumors. Once this technique is fully developed, we think physicians will be able to visualize the borders of tumors more clearly,'' said Dr. Muriel Ross of NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA. Ross is director of the Ames Biocomputation Center which uses computer technology to improve medical practices.
In the new technique, a series of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) breast scans are combined to make a 3-D image using Reconstruction of Serial Sections (ROSS) software that was developed in the Biocomputation Center. The method eliminates ''noise,'' or interference, seen in more common renderings of breast tissues done in many clinics.
''For this initial reconstruction, we combined features of the ROSS software we have been using with another version we use for Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scans,'' Ross said. ''Eventually, a special version of the software will be developed for MRI. In the meantime, we have demonstrated that high fidelity, 3-D reconstructions can be made from typical MRI breast scans.''
Normally, mammograms are used for initial screening for breast cancer. If a suspicious lump is detected, a follow-up MRI using contrast medium can be conducted. ''The medium is injected into the patient's blood stream. This medium rapidly concentrates in the tumor which shows in the scan as a bright area. But even with this technique, it is hard to see where the tumor begins and ends,'' Ross said.
''Later, we intend to work with sonograms,'' she said. A sonogram is a scan that uses sound to visualize objects inside bodies. ''We want to reduce noise that comes from multiple, echo-like reflections of sound coming from tissues. Borders of objects can be difficult to define because echoes bounce and can interfere with one another.''
The NASA Biocomputation Center at Ames will become part of a larger National Biocomputation Center soon to be established by NASA and Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, according to Ross. ''The new center will be a national resource to further the use of virtual reality in medicine,'' Ross said. Virtual reality is a computer-created environment that simulates a real-life situation.
The Biocomputation team is interested in working with mastectomy patients needing breast reconstruction, and with children who need reconstructive surgery to correct deformities of the head and face. Eventually the system could be used in other medical specialties or surgical procedures. Virtual reality will allow surgeons to rehearse complex procedures before an operation. In addition, the team expects virtual reality will be a powerful teaching tool for medical students. A digital library of computerized ''virtual patients'' will be created that physicians can use to share information about uncommon procedures, according to researchers.
Development of the breast tumor enhancement software follows an agreement that enlists NASA technologies to fight breast cancer and other women's illnesses. The agreement was signed in October in Washington, DC, by representatives of NASA and the Department of Health and Human Services. Major areas of concern are cancer, reproductive health, pregnancy, osteoporosis and education.
For more information, contact
Dr. Muriel Ross at Ames Research Center.
Call (650) 604-4804,
Fax (650) 604-3954,
E-mail mross@mail.arc.nasa.gov or write
NASA Ames, MS 239-11, Moffett Field, CA.
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IDENTIFYING BREAST
TUMORS MAY SOON BE
EASIER, CLEARER AND MORE
ACCURATE WITH A PAIR OF 3-D
GLASSES AND SOFTWARE . . .
