Karmanos Cancer Institute Studying New Breast Cancer Detection Technology

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Karmanos Cancer Institute is studying another option for detecting breast cancer that could be available in the future.

It's called SoftVue, and it's a new ultrasound imaging technology developed by Delphinus Medical Technologies in Plymouth.

While traditional ultrasound looks at a portion of the breast, explained Lisa Bey-Knight, a registered nurse with the Karmanos Cancer Institute. SoftVue is able to get information from the entire breast — and it can be done in a matter of minutes.

"It's a way to scan your whole breast in warm water using the ultrasound technology unlike compression and radiation like a mammogram," Bey-Knight told WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites.

At this time ultrasound is not a replacement for a mammogram.

"Ultrasound does not pick up calcifications well," said Bey-Knight, "but it does pick up masses and nodules in the breasts."

The Karmanos Cancer Institute is looking for women to take part in the SoftVue ultrasound study.

For more information, call 800-527-6266.