BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Pinpointing Breast Cancer

Comparing supine and prone breast scans using computer algorithms to ensure tumours accurately pinpointed in surgery

30 April 2020

Pinpointing Breast Cancer

Surgery is the single most effective treatment for breast cancer diagnosed at an early stage, before it has spread through the body. If the tumour is small enough, patients will be offered a ‘lumpectomy’ (breast conserving surgery) rather than removing the whole breast. In order to cut out the tumour and a safe margin of healthy tissue around it, which may be harbouring rogue cancer cells, it’s essential that the surgeon knows exactly where it is within the breast. This is usually done through an MRI scan, with the patient lying face down inside the scanner. However, surgery obviously has to be done with the patient lying face up. Researchers are using computer algorithms to analyse and compare MRI scans taken in the face down (top row) or face up position (bottom row), enabling surgeons to predict the location of a tumour more accurately and ensure they’ve removed it all.

Written by Kat Arney

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.