'Son et lumière': a new combined optical and Doppler ultrasound approach to the detection of breast cancer.

X-ray mammography is the gold standard for diagnosis of lesions within the female breast. It is also recognized as the technique of choice for breast cancer screening in women over 50-years-old. Notwithstanding these important roles it has shortcomings in terms of limited sensitivity and specificity, especially in younger women. This paper describes the concept of a combined optical density and Doppler ultrasound method proposed initially as a supplement to mammography. A specially devised tissue compressor is also described. Results obtained using test phantoms and initial clinical studies are presented. Neovascularization at the advancing front of neoplastic lesions is believed to underlie detection of lesions by both telediaphanography and Doppler ultrasound.