Mammography

Discussing personal, practical and technological challenges that may thwart breast cancer screening, this author says increased sensitivity, advances in mammography imaging and creative awareness-raising alliances can make a difference in communities big and small.

The artificial intelligence (AI) model reportedly had an 89.3 accuracy rate in differentiating between non-dense and dense breasts on mammography scans, and a 90.4 percent rate of agreement with human radiologist reviewers.

Review top radiology content from the week.

While breast arterial calcification is a common incidental finding on mammograms that is not routinely recommended for follow-up, statistically significant associations with cardiovascular risks may change that approach for postmenopausal women.

In a recent video interview, Amy K. Patel, MD, discussed the aftereffects of delayed breast cancer screening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, keys for improving outreach to underserved communities, legislative wins and challenges, and coalition building to educate and encourage women to resume regular breast cancer screening exams.

In a large study reviewing biennial mammography screening for women between the ages of 50 to 74, researchers estimated a 6.1 percent overdiagnosis rate for indolent pre-clinical cancer and a 9.3 percent overdiagnosis rate for progressive pre-clinical cancer in women who would have died from other causes prior to clinical diagnosis.

When there are equivocal findings with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), spot compression views may significantly enhance specificity and accuracy, and could reduce additional workup in benign cases.

For premenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer, new research shows a 25 to 30 percent higher likelihood of mammographic breast density.

Emerging research suggests that mammograms should not be delayed for women who develop unilateral lymphadenopathy after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, and that follow-up imaging is unnecessary for patients who have no history of cancer or suspicious concurrent symptoms.

In a simulated clinical workflow, researchers found the use of an artificial intelligence model significantly decreased the number of exams that required interpretation by a radiologist.

During the pandemic and beyond, working from home as a radiologist can present clear work-life advantages.

The iBreastExam, a handheld device cleared by the FDA, reportedly enhances routine clinical breast examinations.

While digital breast tomosynthesis is reportedly more effective at detecting cancer, new research suggests a higher recall rate due to fatigue and less experience in interpreting the images.

Emerging solutions for improved efficiency, patient comfort and image quality may ease the strain of increased patient volume as women catch up with mammography screenings that were delayed or put off during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Review our most popular Image IQs of 2021 and test your radiology knowledge!

A new meta-analysis examines the diagnostic benefit of this emerging complementary modality.

Technologies must be integrated with existing platforms and workflows, as well as demonstrate value.

Warning systems designed to streamline interpretation of screening mammograms may not benefit interpreting radiologists or patients, a new study suggests.

Diffusion-weighted imaging may be useful as a safe and effective screening tool to supplement mammography in women with dense breast tissues.

This study discloses the characteristics of patients using self-scheduled online patient portal screening mammography.

An artificial intelligence for digital breast tomosynthesis enhances radiologists’ performance and efficiency.

Following breast cancer treatment, women who have access to breast MRI may safely forgo additional mammographic or digital breast tomosynthesis follow-up.

Learn more about what Canon Medical will be showcasing virtually at RSNA 2021.

The work of a breast imager goes far beyond the pink-out of every October.

A recent article in Clinical Imaging suggests a three-pronged education approach to address healthcare disparities in radiology.

Artificial intelligence can help seek out and identify high-risk patients who might benefit from more extensive screening.

The impact of digital breast tomosynthesis on screening performance and screen-detected cancers appears to generalize beyond trials and academic centers to the community setting.

Feminizing hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer in transgender women, a growing body of research suggests, underscoring a need for health care providers to understand the risks, breast imaging features, and health care needs of this demographic.

A nuanced approach is needed to weigh the risk of vaccination-associated axillary lymphadenopathy against the risk of delaying breast cancer screening.

Age, race, and insurance all factor in to whether women got their annual exams.