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).

Handheld breast ultrasound bests automation in 2nd-look lesion detection
There is limited research comparing HHUS and ABUS in second-look settings despite the fact that these exams are routinely utilized as supplemental imaging tools.
Contrast-enhanced supplemental imaging triggers anxiety for many women
Authors of a new paper contend their findings could be beneficial in adapting public messaging related to supplemental imaging to better inform those who may need it.
Specialized ultrasound technique reduces need for breast biopsies by 25%
Ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (US-DOT) is a technique that combines the use of ultrasound with near-infrared light to create 3D pictures of tissues.
Risk-based screening strategy averts more breast cancer deaths, reduces false positives
This new imaging approach has the potential to benefit women with both high and low risk of developing cancer, researchers charge.
Imaging startup announces commercial launch of its portable, wearable breast ultrasound system
Experts believe the system has the potential to "dramatically improve access, speed and accuracy, especially for women with dense breasts.”

Handheld breast ultrasound bests automation in 2nd-look lesion detection

There is limited research comparing HHUS and ABUS in second-look settings despite the fact that these exams are routinely utilized as supplemental imaging tools.

Contrast-enhanced supplemental imaging triggers anxiety for many women

Authors of a new paper contend their findings could be beneficial in adapting public messaging related to supplemental imaging to better inform those who may need it.

Specialized ultrasound technique reduces need for breast biopsies by 25%

Ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (US-DOT) is a technique that combines the use of ultrasound with near-infrared light to create 3D pictures of tissues.

breast cancer mammography screening mammogram scheduling

Risk-based screening strategy averts more breast cancer deaths, reduces false positives

This new imaging approach has the potential to benefit women with both high and low risk of developing cancer, researchers charge.

iSono Health announces commercial launch of portable, wearable breast ultrasound device

Imaging startup announces commercial launch of its portable, wearable breast ultrasound system

Experts believe the system has the potential to "dramatically improve access, speed and accuracy, especially for women with dense breasts.”

American College of Radiology (ACR) Chief Executive Officer Dana Smetherman, MD, explains the highlights of the recent BI-RADS Version 2025 release, which is the first update to BI-RADS in about a decade. #ACR #RSNA #BIRADS

ACR outlines key changes in the new BI-RADS guidelines

American College of Radiology Chief Executive Officer Dana Smetherman, MD, explains the highlights of the recent BI-RADS Version 2025 release, the first update in more than a decade.

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

North American imaging experts endorse new international breast biopsy guidelines

The group was recently asked to provide input on a new set of recommendations for image-guided biopsies of suspicious breast lesions—offering providers clarity on key clinical scenarios.

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.