Optimization of compact gamma cameras for breast imaging

Mammoscintigraphy is an important tool for secondary breast cancer screening. Good results have been achieved with dedicated gamma cameras for T1b tumors (size >5 mm). We have performed simulations and measurements in order to improve the performance of compact gamma cameras for detecting T1a tumors (size <5 mm). Preliminary results of the simulation show that the best performance can be obtained using CsI(Tl) segmented scintillators (2x2x3 mm3) coupled with a Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube (PSPMT) having a multianode structure (2x2 mm2 pad size). Measurements allowed to test the validity of the simulation software