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).

High resolution DBT exams enhance early cancer detection
Recent advances in imaging technology have built on the momentum DBT utilization has created for early diagnoses.
Symptom-detected breast cancers more likely to require mastectomy, chemotherapy
New research adds to the “strong evidence” supporting screening guidelines and highlights the importance of women adhering to clinical recommendations.
Contrast-enhanced mammography significantly improves early cancer detection
New trial results suggest CEM could enhance breast cancer detection beyond DBT exams when patients are faced with barriers to obtaining an MRI.
AI-directed scan protocols cut back on unnecessary MRI sequences
Artificial intelligence could serve as an effective tool for determining which patients may need additional breast MRI sequences mid-protocol.
Symptom-detected breast cancers nearly 7 times more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stage
Advances in treatment are often credited with improving breast cancer outcomes, but new findings suggest the decrease in mortality may actually be due to improved screening initiatives.

Researchers detail MRI’s role in identifying early-stage breast cancer

Short-interval follow-up MRI is an effective tool for identifying early-stage breast cancer, according to findings to be presented at the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) 2019 Annual Meeting in Honolulu.

ACP shares new breast cancer screening guidelines, imaging societies push back

The American College of Physicians (ACP) now recommends that average-risk women with no symptoms undergo breast cancer screening with mammography every other year, beginning at the age of 50. The ACP explained its decision through a new guidance statement published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Should women with dense breasts pursue additional screening? Here’s what radiologists think

When women learn that they have dense breast tissue after a mammogram, should they seek out supplemental screening? A new study published in the Journal of Breast Imaging asked radiologists what they currently recommend for patients at all risk levels.

Fujifilm launches three new software tools for its Aspire Cristalle mammography system

New features will be on display this spring at the National Consortium of Breast Centers conference and the Society of Breast Imaging Symposium

Breast MRI may help personalize treatment for DCIS patients

Pairing breast MRI with a test that characterizes breast cancer genes can lead to a more personalized treatment approach for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), reported authors of a recent study published in JAMA Oncology.

Society of Breast Imaging addresses importance of screening among minority populations

The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) addressed the importance of diversity in breast imaging in a recent statement published online Jan. 9, stating that breast cancer does not affect all ethnic and socioeconomic populations equally.

SBI publishes policy statement on diversity, inclusion

The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) has issued a new policy statement on diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the belief that “all people for whom breast cancer screening is appropriate should receive the opportunity to undergo screening.”

Insurer's price calculator severely underestimates breast MRI cost for Philadelphia woman

Although many insurance providers have invested in price calculators for patients to determine out-of-pocket costs, one Philadelphia woman discovered they may severely underestimate actual prices for services, according to a recent report by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Breast Imaging

High resolution DBT exams enhance early cancer detection

Symptom-detected breast cancers more likely to require mastectomy, chemotherapy

Contrast-enhanced mammography significantly improves early cancer detection

AI-directed scan protocols cut back on unnecessary MRI sequences

Symptom-detected breast cancers nearly 7 times more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stage