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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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. 

Synthetic MRI measures predict breast cancer treatment responses, according to new research

Researchers suggested that the quantitative measures derived from synthetic MRI exams could be used to help guide treatment decisions for breast cancer patients.

Surveillance breast MRI

Surveillance breast MRI findings linked with future second cancer

The new research focused specifically on associations between background parenchymal enhancement—a known risk factor for breast cancer, visualized on surveillance MRI exams—and secondary breast cancers.

Around the web

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.

The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer. 

AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments deliver significant value, according to late-breaking data presented at TCT. These AI platforms have gained considerable momentum in recent months, receiving expanded Medicare coverage in addition to a new Category I CPT code.

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