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).

The most popular radiology business stories in February 2022 included several lawsuits pertaining to imaging centers and radiology companies and a new study suggesting not to delay mammograms in women who were recently vaccinated against COVID-19.

Top Radiology Business stories in February 2022

These are the most popular stories on Radiology Business in February, based on reader page views for the month. 

A new study suggests not delaying mammograms due to getting a COVID vaccine because cancers may go un detected. The RSNA study showed several examples of swollen lymph nodes that appeared to be from the vaccine, but turned out to be cancers.

Q&A: Should COVID vaccinated patients delay getting breast imaging — new study says no 

The lead authors of a new study, Stacey Wolfson, MD, and Beatriu Reig, MD, from the Department of Radiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, say women should not delay breast imaging if they recently received the COVID vaccine or a booster.

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Women do not need to delay their mammogram appointment after COVID-19 vaccination

That's according to the largest study to date on axillary lymphadenopathy after COVID-19 vaccination, published in RSNA's flagship journal, Radiology

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Survey unearths significant variation in practice patterns for localizing breast lesions

Barriers to more widespread use of certain novel devices and modalities may be related to cost and lack of expertise, experts wrote Tuesday. 

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Simple switches help hospital reduce excess patient visits, biopsy wait times after breast MRI

Michigan Medicine had seen breast MRI volumes climb 94% while related biopsies leapt 150%, prompting leaders to launch their quality initiative. 

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Fatigue impacts inexperienced breast radiologists’ performance, underlining importance of regular breaks

Physicians with five or fewer years of experience are more likely to order additional imaging when reading DBT exams later in the day. 

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Machine learning model accurately predicts DCIS upstaging without invasive surgery

Understanding a patient's risk of developing invasive cancer without having to undergo surgery could help patients and providers choose more appropriate treatment plans.

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Key factors that influence radiology trainees’ interest in breast imaging

Repetitiveness is one of the most common reasons why residents and students avoid the subspecialty, according to new survey data.

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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