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Mammogram Accuracy Varies By Radiologist

December 20th, 2007 | by David Reiner, M.D. |

                                   

Previous investigation has revealed variation in the quality of screening mammograms performed, which affects the accuracy of detecting breast cancer.  This study performed by a researcher at the Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle found a significant disparity in the interpretation of mammograms even when a lump was present on exam prior to these studies.  This study evaluated 123 radiologists who looked at 36,000 diagnostic mammograms from 1996-2003 at 72 U.S. facilities.  They found that the sensitivity(the ability to accurately detect cancer) ranged from 27% to 100% among the centers evaluated.  They also found that the range of false positives(when a test is called abnormal but no cancer is present) was 0-16%.  On average, 21% of breast cancers were missed and 4.3% of woman underwent biopsies despite not having breast cancer.

Many of the centers in this study were from rural areas which may not necessarily handle a high volume of diagnostic mammograms.  The conclusion of this study is that woman should consider having their mammograms performed at high volume centers that have breast imaging experts.

Reference: Reuters Health Information (2007-12-11)

Tags: Breast Cancer, mammogram, radiology