**2.7.1 Scintimammography**

Future developments in nuclear medicine are in the area of development of specialized imaging systems. One example of specialized gamma camera is scintimammography in imaging of breast and axillary nodes. Scintimammography term is given to radionuclide imaging of breast cancer (Schillaci et al., 2007). Scintimammography is performed after injection of the radiopharmaceutical into an arm vein contralateral to the suspected tumor or into a pedal vein and the subsequent imaging with right and left lateral, prone and supine views, covering both breasts and both axillae and later computer acquisition of data (Nguyen et al., 2009; Brem et al., 2005). Most studies evaluating the role of scintimammography, have compared it with mammography, ultrasound and MRI. Its sensitivity has ranged from 62% to 93% with specificity from 79% to 94% (Schillaci & Buscombe, 2004). Its sensitivity is greater for palpable lesions. Current recommendations for the use of scintimammography are (Fass, 2008):


The main limitations of scintimamography are low sensitivity and high dose of radionuclide that is used for imaging. Currently, for overcoming the cited limitations, the researchers are studying on targeted molecular imaging methods.
