The utility of digital breast tomosynthesis in axillary lymph node post clip mammography

Abstract

Regional breast cancer staging with axillary lymph node biopsy has been in the spotlight in recent years following results of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z1011 trial. Subsequent studies have demonstrated that clip marker placement in biopsy proven metastatic axillary lymph nodes aids in targeted axillary lymph node dissection, ensuring excision of known metastatic disease and reducing the false negative rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy. We believe the use of DBT for documentation of axillary lymph node clip marker placement presents an opportunity to expand on the established benefits of this new technology. DBT can provide three-dimensional assessment of axillary clip marker placement, assists future follow-up and localization, improves workflow efficiency, helps potentially reduce patient dose and enhances the patient experience.