Breast Imaging News & Stories

125 years of X-rays: Breast cancer is the main cancer found in women – and early detection is the key to improving breast cancer outcomes and survival rates. Screening mammography has come a long way, both in terms of organization and technology: from modified regular X-ray systems to dedicated mammography and tomosynthesis systems and the support of artificial intelligence.

In breast cancer screening programs, such as the one running in the Netherlands, a high volume of mammography data is acquired. Radiologists have to evaluate hundreds of images every day with precision and often under time pressure. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers radiologists smart support.

The COVID-19 pandemic is confronting healthcare institutions around the world with unprecedented clinical and operational challenges. The impact of the pandemic is also being felt in breast care.

Over the past several years, medical technology companies, especially those involved in mammography, have focused intensively on technological developments to improve diagnostic accuracy.

New imaging approaches such as tomosynthesis and abbreviated MRI are suitable to overcome the limitations of mammography. Experts believe that these possibilities should ultimately be integrated into screening strategies tailored to personal risk.

As data volumes in mammography are continually growing, especially with the increased use of tomosynthesis, powerful software is vital for radiology. In Denmark, an intelligent network infrastructure facilitates cooperation among various mammography clinics.

Contrast-enhanced mammography is a promising technique that is much more sensitive than digital mammography alone. Studies are already underway to explore the use of contrast-enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis. Listen to Paul Fisher in Stony Brook, New York (USA) present his findings on this new approach.

Contrast-enhanced mammography combines morphological as well as functional information. But has it proven its worth in daily practice? Listen to Prof. Dr. Luis Javier Pina Insausti in Pamplona, Spain, as he discusses his initial experiences and presents his conclusions on this novel technique.

Mammography can be a source of anxiety for the patient. In Denmark, one university hospital is putting great emphasis on making breast examinations more comfortable, while at the same time enabling more personalized care with improved diagnostic accuracy.

Developments in imaging technologies such as breast MRI and automatic ultrasound may help to individualize cancer detection and improve survival. Key factors are multimodal, but time-saving, workflows that enable risk-adapted approaches on a routine basis.

New computer-aided detection and clinical decision support systems with artificial intelligence could soon change the reading workflow in breast cancer screening - and beyond. Read about possible solutions and scenarios!

The number of cases as well as the number of images acquired with mammography continues to grow. However, time and resources are limited. Computed-aided detection (CAD) tools have been developed to support radiologists in their work. Let's take a look at the history of CAD systems in medicine.

Despite its clinical advantages, tomosynthesis has not yet been fully implemented in screening – also in part due to its long reading times. Ass. Prof. Dr. Sophia Zackrisson talks about new approaches to accelerate and standardize tomosynthesis reading in screening as well as final results of the Malmö Breast Tomosynthesis Screening Trial.