Women’s imaging encompasses many radiology procedures related to women and the diseases that are most prevalent to women such as breast cancer or gynecological issues. Mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and breast biopsy are the most commonly used procedures.
The photoacoustic CT, or PACT, imaging technique is said to perform comparably to mammography for cancer detection, but without the discomfort of standard mammograms.
The agent “exhibits powerful tumor delineation” in challenging cases of determining cancer subtypes, and could potentially lead to more personalized, effective treatment strategies.
New research adds to the “strong evidence” supporting screening guidelines and highlights the importance of women adhering to clinical recommendations.
A team of experts determined that correlating masses initially detected on MRI are significantly more likely to result in a cancer diagnosis than other common findings.
Penn Medicine experts conducted two randomized clinical trials, with women receiving text message reminders, bulk orders or letters endorsed by their PCP.
Those in their 30s also have seen a nearly 13% uptick in occurrence of the disease, experts detailed in the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal.
This latest research further confirms that breast MRI not only detects tumors that mammography cannot, but it also spots invasive cases that pose greater risks to patients.
Experts, medical organizations and advocates alike are coming forward saying that the new guidelines “do not go far enough,” particularly when it comes to addressing the screening needs of certain patients.