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).

black woman breast cancer pink ribbon

Scientists develop MRI-guided ultrasound for burning breast cancer tumors

Scientists from the Huntsman Cancer Institute developed a noninvasive outpatient procedure to treat breast cancer tumors.

October 5, 2023
breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

Survey says most women skip their recommended mammogram

Women cite a lack of time as the primary reason for not scheduling a mammogram, according to a survey from one large health system.

October 3, 2023
Siemens Mammomat B.brilliant

3D scanner capable of 5-second mammograms unveiled in Europe

Siemens Healthineers unveiled the new technology at the annual congress of the European Society of Breast Imaging in Valencia, Spain.

October 2, 2023
Artificial intelligence can help make breast cancer screening mammography more accurate.

As synthetic mammography keeps improving, it may soon be the new standard

Synthetic mammography has certain disadvantages, but they may be outweighed by its improved safety.

September 29, 2023
breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

Hologic and Bayer join forces to improve breast cancer detection

The two companies have joined forces to push for contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) adoption worldwide.

September 22, 2023
older female patient and doctor

How MRI “fingerprinting” could help personalize breast cancer treatment

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University are commissioning a study to determine if a novel MRI technique can predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy in treating breast cancer.

September 21, 2023
The IGAR surgical robot. Image courtesy of Insight Medbotics.

FDA clears new MRI-compatible robot for breast biopsies

The newly cleared device from Insight Medbotics represents a collaboration between robotics experts and surgeons. 

September 14, 2023
breast cancer mammography mammogram

AI proves a qualified second reader for screening mammography

According to one radiologist, the continued success of AI could make second reads for screening mammograms a thing of the past. 

September 8, 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. 

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