Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a recent and promising therapeutic strategy in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Successful administration requires advanced coordination of care between members of the patient's entire clinical team—including the radiologic technologist. Understanding the operating parameters and safety issues surrounding RIT are critical skills needed to successfully treat these patients. This article reviews the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, staging, and treatment options for NHL, with a focus on B-cell NHL and current options for RIT with special attention to initial patient evaluation and dosing, follow-up imaging, and important radiation safety concerns for patients, caregivers, family members, and institutions delivering care.
Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, although early detection may significantly increase survival rates. When diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate for patients with breast cancer is greater than 90%. A recently-approved three-dimensional breast imaging technique, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) provides views of the entire breast or individual cross-sectional slices, thereby lessening the problem of overlapping tissue leading to fewer false-positive findings, and reducing the number call-backs for additional testing. DBT can also better depict breast lesions and may eventually replace spot compression views. This article aims to describe this new technology and discuss how it may affect breast imaging in the near future.
Breast biopsy is an important procedure for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Although most abnormalities identified in mammography are not breast cancer, approximately 2% of women must undergo further testing. For many years, surgical breast biopsy was the only option for obtaining an adequate tissue specimen. Stereotactic biopsy, a less invasive alternative to surgical biopsy, has a high rate of accuracy and good safety and patient acceptability. The stereotactic method may be used with a variety of biopsy devices and needle sizes to quickly obtain tissue samples for histologic assessment. Proper technique, combined with careful analysis of previous mammograms has proven to be a successful option to quickly obtain tissue samples for histologic assessment.
Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States having increased by 39% from 2000 to 2009. The safety of implants has been challenged in recent years, and the potential for implants to interfere with mammography is a topic of continuing debate. The most important components of successful long-term cancer screening in women who have undergone breast augmentation or reconstruction are technologists who are knowledgeable about the proper precautions to take during mammography and the specific techniques that maximize the amount of breast tissue imaged. This article will review the types of implants and procedures currently available and will highlight precautions and radiographic techniques used to provide effective imaging services in women with implants.
All CE content has been accredited by the ASRT for ARRT Category A credit. Selected articles are also accredited by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board for MDCB Credit.
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(1 Credit)
