Digital breastvolumeestimation (DBVE)-A new technique.

Abstract

There are several limitations with current methods of breast volume measurement; principally relating to assumption of fixed shape forms. This study, utilizing computer aided volume estimates, developed a new method using the digital mapping of breast area and compares results to existing techniques of breast volume measurement and actual breast volume. 50 consecutive breast cancer patients had breast volume calculated from mammograms [craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique views]; using breast height, width, radius, area and compression thickness. Area was recorded using cursor measurement tool for AGFA® Impax™6 software. The new volumetric estimation is based on the basic formula for the volume of a solid. The technique was compared with three known breast volume estimation techniques. Subsequently,15 patients undergoing mastectomy had pre-op breast volume calculated using this new method and 3 existing techniques; values were compared to fresh mastectomy weights/volumes. 50 patients, mean age 63.2 ± 14.4 (range 38-88) had breast volume estimation. The CC view appears to provide the best correlation with existing techniques. Scatterplots show a significant correlation of all the methods with the digital breast volume estimation method. Mastectomy volume compared with fourbreast volume techniques in n = 15, confined to the CC, shows good correlation between the digital technique and real volume. Scatterplots show significant correlation between digital breast volume estimation and mastectomy weight. This study provided a novel simple tool to estimate breast volume in patients. This may aid in planning cosmetic outcome and oncoplastic approaches in breast cancer and breast reduction surgery.