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.

SBI, Oxford University Press to publish new Journal of Breast Imaging

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) and Oxford University Press (OUP) announced a partnership to publish the Journal of Breast Imaging (JBI)—the first peer-reviewed journal dedicated to breast imaging.

Can diffusion-weighted imaging supplement dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI?

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) could help differentiate between benign and malignant tumors and predict tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients, according to research published Oct. 4 in Academic Radiology. The authors noted that DWI may also serve as a beneficial supplement to contrast-enhanced breast MRI.

Cardiac monitoring may protect high-risk breast cancer patients against heart failure

While heart failure (HF) is an uncommon complication of breast cancer, a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology notes individuals treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy have a higher risk for HF—but they are not monitored for it, despite recommendations.

Continued variation in radiology tech reports poses threat to readability

The lack of a structured reporting system for imaging technologists could be threatening the readability of studies in the field, a team of U.K. researchers reported this month in Radiography. But some argue a more rigid format would distract from the cognitive processes that make radiology reports so valuable in the first place.

Most breast imaging facilities lack policies related to caring for transgender patients

Many breast imaging facilities in the United States lack policies that focus on providing friendly, inclusive care to transgender patients, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Yearly mammograms starting at 40 offer women the best odds of surviving breast cancer

Women who prioritize annual mammograms starting at the age of 40 have the greatest chance of catching, treating and surviving breast cancer, a study published this month in the Journal of the American College of Radiology suggests.

Why would 41% of women with dense breasts avoid supplemental breast MRIs?

More than 41 percent of women with dense breasts will choose to forgo supplemental breast MRI after receiving a negative mammography screening, according to a study recently published in Clinical Radiology.

ACR, SBI publish new breast cancer screening guidelines

The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) have published new breast cancer screening guidelines, once again recommending that all women begin annual screening at age 40.

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