Dilon Technologies

BSGI with the Dilon 6800- Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a functional or molecular breast imaging procedure that captures the metabolic activity of breast lesions through radiotracer uptake. A small amount of tracing agent is delivered to a patient, and in turn is absorbed by all cells in the body. The tracing agent emits invisible gamma rays, which are detected by the Dilon 6800 Gamma Camera and translated into a digital image of the breast. Due to the higher metabolic activity of cancerous cells, these cells absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent and are revealed as "hot spots." This molecular breast imaging technique can help doctors more reliably differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous cells. While other adjunct modalities, such as MRI and ultrasound, image the physical structure of the breast, BSGI captures the cellular functioning of the breast tissue.
- Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging- Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a functional or molecular breast imaging procedure that captures the metabolic activity of breast lesions through radiotracer uptake. A small amount of tracing agent is delivered to a patient, and in turn is absorbed by all cells in the body. The tracing agent emits invisible gamma rays, which are detected by the Dilon 6800 Gamma Camera and translated into a digital image of the breast. Due to the higher metabolic activity of cancerous cells, these cells absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent and are revealed as "hot spots." This molecular breast imaging technique can help doctors more reliably differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous cells. While other adjunct modalities, such as MRI and ultrasound, image the physical structure of the breast, BSGI captures the cellular functioning of the breast tissue.
- Dilon 6800 Gamma Camera- Large, general-purpose gamma cameras are designed for whole-body imaging. They are about the same size as a CT scanner, require a dedicated exam room within the nuclear medicine department and cost about $500,000. Because of scheduling issues across departments, patient referrals for scintimammography studies on standard gamma cameras generally take days or sometimes weeks. Dilon's smaller, mobile system does not require a dedicated exam room and can be taken to the point of care, providing easy access and same-day diagnosis.
- Clinical Testing and Research- This breakthrough technology in breast cancer detection is the result of cooperative science and medical research across multiple facilities, scientists and physicians. A physics group at Jefferson Lab created the high-resolution detector used by the Dilon 6800, and then Dilon led commercial development of this gamma technology into the state-of-the-art diagnostic tool it is today. Early clinical research was conducted at the University of Virginia and successful patient studies followed at the Johns Hopkins and George Washington University Medical Centers.
- Sales- The Dilon 6800 can be an invaluable addition to any practice, both for practice building and enhanced patient care. Dilon has distribution agreements throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, making it easy to purchase and obtain information about the Dilon 6800.
Medical Professionals- The Dilon 6800 Gamma Camera enables optimized molecular breast imaging with a high-resolution, small field-of-view detector for image acquisition. The Dilon 6800 overcomes the limitations of a standard gamma camera through a patented detector that produces high contrast images of significantly smaller lesions and helps practitioners determine the presence or absence of cancer. The detector's compact size allows imaging close to the chest wall and in all standard mammographic views for direct correlation to mammograms. An additional benefit is that patients are able to sit comfortably throughout the image acquisition process, rather than lie prone as with standard gamma cameras.
- A Needed Complement to Mammography- The Dilon 6800 Gamma Camera enables optimized molecular breast imaging with a high-resolution, small field-of-view detector for image acquisition. The Dilon 6800 overcomes the limitations of a standard gamma camera through a patented detector that produces high contrast images of significantly smaller lesions and helps practitioners determine the presence or absence of cancer. The detector's compact size allows imaging close to the chest wall and in all standard mammographic views for direct correlation to mammograms. An additional benefit is that patients are able to sit comfortably throughout the image acquisition process, rather than lie prone as with standard gamma cameras.
- Clinical Advantages of BSGI- Multiple Indications for use - high-risk patients with equivocal mammograms, dense breasts, multifocality, scar tissue, implants, hormone replacement therapy, and palpable lesions not detected with mammography or ultrasound
  Provides physiological data not available from any other standard modality.
- A Surgeon's Perspective- Using a physiological approach to breast cancer detection allows for more specific evaluations and improved management of challenging cases. Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a molecular study of the breast that provides physiological data not available from any other imaging modality- helping to quickly determine the nature of suspicious lesions, and in many cases- the extent of disease.
- Clinical Indications & Case Studies- Radiodense breast tissue difficult to image.
  Evaluation of indeterminate or suspicious lesions identified by mammography.
  Post-surgical or post-therapeutic evaluation of mammographic tissue changes.
  Evaluation of multiple lesions or clusters of microcalcifications to aid in biopsy target selection.
  Palpable mass not demonstrated in mammogram or ultrasound.
  Determining the extent of the primary lesion.
  Detecting multicentric and multifocal disease for treatment planning.
  Evaluating the axillary region for node status in breast cancer patients.
  For use in patients where MRI is indicated, but not possible.
- Evolution of Scintimammography- Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI), or molecular breast imaging, evolved from a related nuclear medicine imaging procedure of the breast, scintimammography, and both are based on the enhanced uptake of sestamibi in tumors within the breast. For years, scintimammography showed considerable promise to be a strong diagnostic tool in the early detection of breast cancer. However, the limitations of the procedure as performed with large general-purpose gamma cameras did not allow for the reliable detection of sub-centimeter lesions or direct correlation to mammograms, thus limiting the capability of this promising diagnostic tool. The Dilon 6800 overcomes these limitations and can reliably detect sub-centimeter lesions, down to 3mm, and provide the same views as mammography. Another major benefit of the Dilon system is its compact design and mobility, allowing for same-day evaluation and imaging at the point of care.
- Breast Imaging with the Dilon 6800- Large, general-purpose gamma cameras are designed for whole-body imaging. They are about the same size as a CT scanner, require a dedicated exam room within the nuclear medicine department and cost about $500,000. Because of scheduling issues across departments, patient referrals for scintimammography studies on standard gamma cameras generally take days or sometimes weeks. Dilon's smaller, mobile system does not require a dedicated exam room and can be taken to the point of care, providing easy access and same-day diagnosis.
- Practice Considerations- The Dilon 6800 is uniquely suited to add to any practice or breast-imaging center. Its compact size and portability allow it to be stored out of the way and wheeled into an exam room when needed. Patients can receive same-day evaluation and results for the answers you both need.
- FAQs- Many questions you may have can be answered here.
- BSGI Reference Sites-BSGI locations around the United States.
- Articles- Published Journal and News articles on Breast Specific Gamma Imaging.
- Case Study of the Month - Multifocal Disease Occult in Clinical Examination, Ultrasound and Mammography
Patient Education- Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a functional imaging procedure that images the metabolic activity of breast lesions through radiotracer uptake. A small amount of tracing agent is delivered to a patient, and in turn is absorbed by all cells in the body. The tracing agent emits invisible gamma rays, which are detected by the Dilon 6800 and translated into a digital image of the breast. Due to the higher metabolic activity of cancerous cells, these cells absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent and are revealed as "hot spots." This technique can help doctors more reliably differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous cells. While other adjunct modalities, such as MRI and Ultrasound, image the physical structure of the breast, BSGI captures the cellular functioning of the breast tissue.
- The Dilon Advantage- Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a functional imaging procedure that images the metabolic activity of breast lesions through radiotracer uptake. A small amount of tracing agent is delivered to a patient, and in turn is absorbed by all cells in the body. The tracing agent emits invisible gamma rays, which are detected by the Dilon 6800 and translated into a digital image of the breast. Due to the higher metabolic activity of cancerous cells, these cells absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent and are revealed as "hot spots." This technique can help doctors more reliably differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous cells. While other adjunct modalities, such as MRI and Ultrasound, image the physical structure of the breast, BSGI captures the cellular functioning of the breast tissue.
- Screening and Diagnosis- A "screening" is looking for cancer before any sign of symptoms. It is important to find abnormal tissue or cancer at an early stage, as it may be easier to treat. If abnormal tissue is found during a screening, additional diagnostic tests are conducted to determine if you have cancer.
  - Current Methods for Detecting Breast Cancer- While mammography still remains the first step for breast cancer screening and diagnosis, it cannot differentiate between benign and malignant tissue, and is less accurate in patients with dense breast tissue.
  - Breast Tissue Can Affect Mammogram Results- As women age, breast tissue composition changes. The composition of breast tissue can greatly affect the results of a mammography screening. In young women breasts are composed of firm glandular tissue, which appears denser. In mammography, this density appears as a thick, white area. Cancerous tumors also appear as densities on a mammogram. This can make it difficult to distinguish between the two.
- FAQs- Many questions you may have can be answered here.
- Testimonials- Many patients continue to look to BSGI with the Dilon 6800 for a reliable answer to the question: Do I have breast cancer? Read the stories of these women who looked to BSGI themselves when faced with that possibility.
- Helpful Links- Various resources to help you become more informed about breast health.
News and Events- Breast health and information by Dilon.
- Press Releases- Breast health and information by Dilon.
- Press Kit- Media Contact Information.
- In the News- Breast health news articles.
- Meetings and Conferences- Listing of all the updoming events.