A tumour gauge to measure breast lumps for use with mammograms.

A new tumour gauge is described for the measurement of breast lumps. Mammographs or xeroradiographs are taken and opacities that have a definite border are suitable for assessment. The tumour gauge is made of a transparent plastic with concentric lines. A classification of tumour size T (TMN staging) can be made by placing the tumour gauge over the mammogram/xeroradiogram. Tumour diameter is measured with the gauge and the volume of a sphere and so tumour bulk can be calculated. This may be of greater clinical relevance than tumour diameter. The tumour gauge may be applied in the difficult clinical situations of the post-irradiated breast or the obese patient. A primary or recurrent tumour that has not been excised and is visible on the mammogram may be used as a marker to assess response to treatment.