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).

contrast enhanced mammography

Scoring system outperforms BI-RADS assessments of contrast-enhanced mammography exams

For specificity—a metric that has been somewhat unpredictable in breast MRI and CEM—the scoring system performed significantly better than BI-RADS.

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DBT guidance saves time, reduces exposure during breast calcification biopsy

Experts found that opting for DBT-guided biopsy of suspicious breast calcifications could shave up to five minutes off the total procedure time.

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Specially trained radiographers spot breast cancer at rates comparable to radiologists

Radiographers trained to recognize certain findings on screening mammograms could help address the worldwide shortage of radiologists. 

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Abbreviated breast MRI protocols not widely available in areas that would benefit the most

While the notion is promising, bringing abbreviated protocols to fruition in underserved areas remains a challenge, according to a first-person take from providers at a clinical practice in Bogota, Colombia.

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Internal symposium for breast imaging technologists is a hit among attendees

Of those who completed post-symposium surveys, 100% agreed that they would recommend the event to others who are looking to expand their knowledge of breast imaging.

A slice from a tomosynthesis 3D mammography mammogram. Image courtesy of Mass General

VIDEO: 3D mammography is becoming the standard-of-care in breast imaging

Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) President John Lewin, MD, explains breast tomosynthesis has already become the default standard in mammography today. 

Supplemental breast imaging modalities of automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and molecular imaging.

VIDEO: Use of supplemental imaging in women with dense breasts

Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) President John Lewin, MD, discusses the types of supplemental breast imaging used to aid cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue.

Two of the top stories this month included the death of MRI pioneer Raymond Vahan Damadian. Experts at MIT also developed ultrasound stickers that can be worn in the same manner as a Band-Aid while also producing diagnostic quality images in real-time. #MRI

Top Health Imaging stories in August 2022

Here are the most popular stories on Health Imaging in August, based on our website analytics. 

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

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