The following is from Yahoo's CAPR thread. Thanks to Mr. DBAKER 69, allow me to copy and paste on this thread.
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Someone asked about the competing technology;
Basically there is Ultrasound, Laser, Biopsy, Thermal, X-ray, MRI, and chemical.
Of the ones mentioned, MRI appears to have proven to provide the highest level of accuracy and efficacy. In the early 90s, Dr. Kaiser from Germany wrote numerous papers [and lectured at ANMR] showing clinical studies proving the high level of MRI detection
of small lesions. His studies clearly demonstrated the ability of the MRI scan to detect lesions close to the breast bone, where a small number of lesions reside. X-ray has been unable to scan the chest near the bone using standard scanning. He demonstrated MRI was the only known approach to detect lesions behind breast implants. MRI scans require about 1 -2 minutes for actual scanning [not including bolus infusion]. The results are available immediately, and as Dr. Kaiser pointed out almost anyone
can read an MRI breast scan with the contrast. One drawback to breast MRI has been the need for use of a contrast media to enhance the lesion. Recent studies indicate the possibility of software enhancements to preclude the contrast need.
MRI continues to be an expensive modality for Breast scanning, and as such was reserved for difficult studies.
An early design criteria for an MRI mammography system was to build an instrument that would sell for under $300,000, thereby providing lower cost breast scans, possibly competing for X-ray for screening purposes. Typical X-ray scans cost about $50-75 and MRI scans currently cost $300-500.
The ultrasound modality continues to advance in ability to detect small lesions by providing higher resolution. The difficulty in ultrasound screening is trying to penetrate dense breast tissue, and implants.
Laser imaging is photon limited and has poor resolution to datre. Dense breast tissue is also a problem with the laser technology.
Fortunately any MRI magnet can scan breasts, provided the site has a proper patient table and dedicated surface coils.
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