Optimization of compact gamma cameras for breast imaging

Abstract

Mammoscintigraphy is an important tool for secondary breast cancer screening. Good results have been achieved with dedicated gamma cameras for T 1b tumors (size >5 mm). We have performed simulations and measurements in order to improve the performance of compact gamma cameras for detecting T 1a tumors (size < 5 mm). Preliminary results of the simulation show that the best performance can be obtained using CsI(Tl) segmented scintillators (2×2×3 mm 3) coupled with a Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube (PSPMT) having a multianode structure (2×2 mm 2 pad size). Measurements allowed to test the validity of the simulation software.