Automated Breast Volume Assessment Derived From Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Images Compared to Mastectomy Specimen Weight and Its Applications in Cosmetic Optimisation

Cureus. 2021 Nov 16;13(11):e19642. doi: 10.7759/cureus.19642. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Estimating the size and volume of the breast preoperatively is an important step in surgical planning for many breast procedures such as immediate implant-based breast reconstructions and reduction mammoplasties. Breast volume estimation helps in appropriate implant selection preoperatively.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the estimation of breast weight by automatic volumetric breast assessment in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) using Quantra™ 2.2 Breast Density Assessment Software (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States).

Methods: Breast specimen weight after mastectomy and volume estimated by Quantra software were recorded.

Results: Volume assessment obtained from Quantra software showed a high correlation with actual mastectomy specimen weight, with Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.952.

Conclusions: The automated DBT-derived breast volume using the Quantra software is a simple and practical method to assess breast size and weight preoperatively.

Keywords: breast cancer; digital breast tomosynthesis (dbt); mastectomy; reconstruction; volume estimation.