Womens Imaging

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.

Pre-op MRI reveals additional malignant lesions in up to 25% of breast cancer patients under 40
In many cases, these additional findings prompt providers to adjust their surgical plans, new data suggest.
Members of Congress reintroduce bill requiring insurers to cover supplemental breast imaging
The Find It Early Act would ensure all women have access to supplemental exams, such as ultrasound and MRI, with no out-of-pocket costs.
Pennsylvania passes bill requiring coverage for supplemental breast imaging
It's slated to become the 31st state to finalize legislation eliminating out-of-pocket costs for follow-up exams after an abnormal screening mammogram.
Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications
From 2013 to 2022, the percentage of rads submitting breast care claims to Medicare dropped from about 47% down to 34%.
Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds
Due to the elective, rather than diagnostic, nature of these exams, operators are not required to complete formal training or be registered if the scans are done in privately owned entities.

Example of the four types of breast tissue density. The density of fibroglandular tissue inside the breast impacts the ability to easily see cancers. Cancers are very easy to spot in fatty breasts, but are almost impossible to find in extremely dense breasts. These examples show craniocaudal mammogram findings characterized as almost entirely fatty (far left), scattered areas of fibroglandular density (second from left), heterogeneously dense (second from right), and extremely dense (far right). RSNA

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.

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New study suggests link between birth defects and preconception CT imaging

The findings raise concerns about women who are planning on becoming pregnant and imaging-related radiation exposure in the weeks leading up to conception.

Echogenic rinds on ultrasound may signal invasive cancer.

Breast ultrasound finding may signal invasive cancer, research suggests

Though this finding is relatively uncommon, it is expected that the BI-RADS 6th edition ultrasound lexicon will include it as a feature associated with malignancy.

Radiology providers missing the mark when screening disabled women for breast cancer

Only 43% of women with disabilities receive American Society of Breast Surgeons-recommended mammography screening services, according to a new single-center study.

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Short-term breast cancer risk prediction improves when AI combines imaging with personal info

Understanding which women have the greatest short-term risk could enable providers to implement targeted screening strategies to ensure malignancies are caught at the earliest possible stage.

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FDA issues recall of intraoperative imaging system due to safety risks

The system enables surgeons to intraoperatively illuminate cancerous tissue in the breast cavity during lumpectomy surgery.

New care approach cuts breast biopsy referrals by over 50%

Rising imaging volumes have led to an uptick in the unearthing of unexpected breast lesions, with a corresponding jump in follow-up examinations.

First in-human trial testing 4D mammography is officially underway

Experts have suggested the emerging technology could be a “pivotal” tool for the future of breast cancer detection.

Womens Imaging

Pre-op MRI reveals additional malignant lesions in up to 25% of breast cancer patients under 40

Members of Congress reintroduce bill requiring insurers to cover supplemental breast imaging

Pennsylvania passes bill requiring coverage for supplemental breast imaging

Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications

Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds