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).

Mayo Clinic rings in the new year with two AI-powered cancer care initiatives

Two AI developers have announced new agreements with the academic medical center, both related to improving the delivery of oncology services.

January 2, 2024
GE HealthCare Breast Cancer AI

GE HealthCare debuts AI suite for early breast cancer detection

MyBreastAI integrates three AI applications designed to read mammograms and measure breast density.

December 1, 2023
Lunit INSIGHT DBT

Lunit AI-powered 3D breast imaging receives FDA clearance

The product allows radiologists to zoom into breast cancer lesions and gather details on potential malignancy. 

November 14, 2023
rural_road.jpg

Women in rural areas, especially racial minorities, are less likely to receive a mammogram

A study looking at older Medicare beneficiaries in Texas highlights a need for targeted breast cancer screening outreach.

November 14, 2023
breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

Ultrasound combined with MRI is better able to identify cancerous lesions in breast tissue

Research out of China found that the pairing proved to be more accurate in identifying cancer in nonmass-like lesions.

November 6, 2023
breast cancer month ribbon

Patients struggling with addiction, mental health are less likely to be screened for breast cancer

Researchers have shed light on the relationship between breast cancer screening and sociodemographic factors.

November 3, 2023
Paige Breast Lymph Node Screenshot

FDA grants Paige ‘Breakthrough’ status for breast cancer detection

Paige Lymph Node uses AI to assist pathologists in detecting breast cancer metastases.

October 27, 2023
breast cancer month ribbon

Most women fail to recognize signs of breast cancer, a third are confused by screening guidelines

Results of a survey from Ohio State University show the public needs a lot more education on breast cancer facts.

October 17, 2023

Around the web

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday. 

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup