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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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.

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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

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SBI publishes policy statement on diversity, inclusion

The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) has issued a new policy statement on diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the belief that “all people for whom breast cancer screening is appropriate should receive the opportunity to undergo screening.”

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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.

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Challenges and opportunities in breast-imaging economics

The economic environment for breast imaging is already complex and still evolving. Keeping up requires understanding the dynamics at work.

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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.

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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.

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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