Breast Imaging

Breast imaging includes imaging modalities used for breast cancer screenings and planning therapy once cancer is detected. Mammography is the primary modality used. Mammogram technology is moving from 2D full-field digital mammography (FFDM) to breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, which helps reduce false positive exams by allowing radiologists to look through the layers of tissue. Overlapping areas of dense breast tissue on 2D mammograms appear similar to cancers and 3D tomo helps determine if suspect areas are cancer or not. About 50% of women have dense breast tissue, which appears white on mammograms, the same as cancers, making diagnosis difficult. Radiologists use the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) scoring system to define the density of breast tissue. Many states now require patients to be notified if they have dense breasts so they understand their mammograms might be suboptimal and they should use supplemental imaging that can see through the dense areas. This includes tomosythesis, breast ultrasound, automated breast ultrasound (ABUS), breast MRI, contrast enhanced mammography and nuclear imaging, including positron emission mammography (PEM).

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Radiologist Dana Ataya, MD, writes song to clear up confusion on breast cancer screening recs.

Singing radiologist pens song to clear up confusion about breast cancer screening recs

Dana Ataya, MD, is backed by Moffitt Cancer Center's band, The ReMissions.

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Breast cancer only visible via MRI is often less aggressive

The heightened sensitivity of MRI is beneficial in that it allows for earlier detection of cancers, but it also presents challenges for providers tasked with managing patients’ care plans.

MedCognetics CogNet AI-MT technology is the first embedded AI cancer detection system built into the mammography system to eliminate eliminates latency and delivering immediate, high-quality image analysis and can help prioritize exams in the worklist

AI loaded onto mammography systems can flag possible cancers in real time to speed workflows

A new AI solution offers complete mammography analysis on the imaging system, in the radiology workflow, to reduce the wait time for results. 

breast cancer screening mammography

AI accurately predicts breast cancer years before diagnosis

This information could help providers personalize breast cancer screening strategies and initiate treatment earlier.

Video interview with Debra Monticciolo, MD, on the expansion of DBT and reducing breast imaging recall rates.

Breast tomosynthesis reduces recalls, could soon replace routine 2D mammography

Digital breast tomosythesis now makes up close to 50% of mammography systems in the U.S. "Tomo is going to replace just straight digital mammography simply because of the benefit of fewer recalls," explained Debra L. Monticciolo, MD.

Debra L. Monticciolo, MD, FACR, FSBI, past-president of both the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), and the American College of Radiology (ACR), explains the advances in breast screening technology and the positives and negatives of each and how artificial intelligence might be able to play a role to ease workflows.

The pros and cons of current breast screening modalities and the role of AI

Debra L. Monticciolo, MD, past president of both the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Radiology, explains the advantages and disadvantages of current breast screening technology.

Breast arterial calcifications (BACs) identified on screening mammograms may help identify women who face a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a new analysis published in Clinical Imaging.

Nearly 25% of women with breast arterial calcifications on mammo develop heart disease

Specifically, women with BACs on their mammogram may be at an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

American College of Radiology (ACR) CEO Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, explains why opportunistic screening is an important AI imaging technology trend radiology practices should be paying attention.

AI opportunistic screening may have tremendous potential to help patients, ACR CEO says

American College of Radiology leader Dana Smetherman, MD, MBA, discusses the new technology trend and why radiologists should be paying attention. 

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