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).

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breast cancer screening mammography

AI accurately predicts breast cancer years before diagnosis

This information could help providers personalize breast cancer screening strategies and initiate treatment earlier.

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Radiology AI firm specializing in automating MRI workflows raises $19M

Copenhagen-based Cerebriu said the Danish VC firm North Ventures led the Series A funding round with support from EIFO and Sagitta Ventures. 

Video interview with Debra Monticciolo, MD, on the expansion of DBT and reducing breast imaging recall rates.

Breast tomosynthesis reduces recalls, could soon replace routine 2D mammography

Digital breast tomosythesis now makes up close to 50% of mammography systems in the U.S. "Tomo is going to replace just straight digital mammography simply because of the benefit of fewer recalls," explained Debra L. Monticciolo, MD.

Debra L. Monticciolo, MD, FACR, FSBI, past-president of both the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), and the American College of Radiology (ACR), explains the advances in breast screening technology and the positives and negatives of each and how artificial intelligence might be able to play a role to ease workflows.

The pros and cons of current breast screening modalities and the role of AI

Debra L. Monticciolo, MD, past president of both the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Radiology, explains the advantages and disadvantages of current breast screening technology.

American College of Radiology (ACR) CEO Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, explains why opportunistic screening is an important AI imaging technology trend radiology practices should be paying attention.

AI opportunistic screening may have tremendous potential to help patients, ACR CEO says

American College of Radiology leader Dana Smetherman, MD, MBA, discusses the new technology trend and why radiologists should be paying attention. 

Debra L. Monticciolo, MD, FACR, FSBI, past-president of both the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), and the American College of Radiology (ACR), explains the current recommendations and a study she did looking at real patient data and projected outcomes using different screening parameters.

The debate over when women should start breast screenings

Debra Monticciolo, MD, who has previously led both the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Radiology, discussed how different screening strategies may impact patient outcomes.

Comparison of a 2D digital mammogram and breast tomosynthesis 3D mammography from UCSF.

90% of breast imaging centers now offer 3D tomosynthesis

Experts in the field say the rising numbers of 3D mammography systems show it is becoming the new standard of care.

ACR CEO outlines top trends in breast imaging

Dana Smetherman, MD, is a diagnostic radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. She spoke to Health Imaging about some key issues that have her attention in 2024 and beyond. 

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