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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Pre-op MRI not necessary for all breast cancer patients, new data suggest

In some cases, it may actually be more beneficial for this group of women to forego the extra scans, as they can lead to additional testing, costs and potentially delays in care.

mammography breast imaging

The BI-RADS 2025 Manual is now live—here are a few of its key updates

During an education session at RSNA 2025, several experts who contributed to the manual spoke on what has changed and how these revisions will affect providers.

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AI more accurate than breast density status for predicting cancer risk

Traditional risk assessments, including those related to breast density, might not go far enough, experts caution.

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Pre-op MRI reveals additional malignant lesions in up to 25% of breast cancer patients under 40

In many cases, these additional findings prompt providers to adjust their surgical plans, new data suggest.

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AI predicts interval cancer risk based on negative mammograms

The ability to predict interval cancer risk is intriguing for providers, as these cancers are often more aggressive and have worse prognoses.

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Mammography false negative rates rising, driven by a few key factors

The number of women who had a screening mammogram miss cancer leapt from less than 1 per 1,000 women in 2010 up to as high as 2.5 by 2022.

Pre-operative breast MRI improves outcomes in younger women with breast cancer

Pre-op MRI may improve breast cancer care for younger patients

Advanced imaging among this patient population could help radiologists better understand the risk of potential cancer recurrence. 

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Experts share new recommendations for managing benign breast lesions

The guidelines are a collaboration between the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the Society of Breast Imaging.