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).

woman_receives_mammogram.jpg

Mammogram findings linked to heightened risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and hypertension

The new research, presented during ARRS 2024 in Boston, suggests CVD risk models may need to include certain findings identified in routine mammograms. 

May 14, 2024
Women with dense breasts and benign breast disease have increased risks of developing #breastcancer

New study results 'strongly' back supplemental MRI for women with dense breasts

This latest research further confirms that breast MRI not only detects tumors that mammography cannot, but it also spots invasive cases that pose greater risks to patients. 

May 1, 2024
boston scientific acquires axonics

Hologic purchases competitor for $310M

Hologic has agreed to buy Endomag, a privately held breast cancer surgery company in the U.K.

April 30, 2024
breast cancer mammography screening mammogram scheduling

USPSTF stops short of recommending supplemental imaging for women with dense breast tissue

Experts, medical organizations and advocates alike are coming forward saying that the new guidelines “do not go far enough,” particularly when it comes to addressing the screening needs of certain patients. 

April 30, 2024
radiation oncology therapy treatment

Edema scores can help predict the aggressiveness of breast cancer

Applying an edema classification system to preoperative MRI exams provides insight into whether patients' breast cancer will spread.

April 29, 2024
partners.jpg

Bayer, Hologic unite to improve availability of contrast-enhanced mammography

The two companies have partnered on a new FDA-cleared CT injection system for the early detection of breast cancer.

April 12, 2024
Siemens Healthineers Mammomat B.brilliant

FDA clears redesigned mammography platform from Siemens Healthineers

The new platform is the first redesign from Siemens Healthineers in over a decade.

April 4, 2024
Breast cancer pink ribbon women's health

SIR 2024: Cryoablation an effective treatment for breast cancer

The study, presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting, marks one of the first to use freezing on large tumors in the breast.

March 26, 2024