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).

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.
Mammography false positive 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-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.
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.
Molecular imaging ups invasive cancer detection in dense breast tissue, spots lesions missed by DBT
The modality often detects clinically important disease that is missed on standard 3D mammogram screening exams.

Women Radiologists Find Their Voice and Make It Heard

The lopsided male-to-female ratio among radiologists and radiology residents—around three men for every one woman—has remained stubbornly constant despite years-long efforts to narrow the gap. This reality is reinforced each time the American College of Radiology conducts its annual workforce survey.

Breast MRI in cancer survivors results in more unneeded biopsies

Adding MRI to mammography screening for breast cancer detects more cancers, but results in more unnecessary biopsies, according to a June 4 study published in Radiology.

Short-interval follow-up MRI helps ID early stage breast cancer

The researchers analyzed the frequency and cancer yield of ACR Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 3 lesions in patients who received baseline and non-baseline screening MRIs.

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.

Breast Imaging

AI predicts interval cancer risk based on negative mammograms

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

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

Experts share new recommendations for managing benign breast lesions

Molecular imaging ups invasive cancer detection in dense breast tissue, spots lesions missed by DBT