The widespread use of standard mammography has resulted in reduced breast cancer deaths due to technology’s ability to detect morphologic abnormalities before they become clinically observable. Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can offer patients and providers advantages over traditional mammography and other imaging tools as they continue to evolve as promising alternatives for early detection of breast cancer.

Improving mammography with contrast

Industry leaders in healthcare are continuing to advance breast cancer screening and detection with new innovations. GE HealthCare introduced Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM), previously known as Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) technology as a new imaging approach in 2011. A contrast-enhanced mammography exam combines the benefits of digital mammography with the advantages that come from the use of contrast.

The contrast mammographic exam is performed in the same position as a standard mammogram, using the same hardware outfitted with a software update.ⁱ An iodine-based contrast medium, same as is used in computed tomography (CT), is injected approximately 2 minutes before the exam, after which a standard mammogram is performed. Under one compression, low-energy and high-energy images are acquired.

Expanding breast imaging with MRI

At the same time, current American College of Radiology recommendations for women with a history of breast cancer and dense breasts, or a breast cancer diagnosis before 50 years of age, include annual surveillance with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Breast MRI is one of the imaging techniques currently relied upon for high-risk patients. It can help with the extent of disease for those patients already diagnosed and undergoing cancer treatment. Breast MRI is also used in addition to gauging response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It has been shown superior to mammography and ultrasound in assessing tumor extent and identifying residual disease but patients have shown a higher level of anxiety and distress during this imaging procedure.

Contrast enhanced mammography and MRI for breast imaging

Advancing breast imaging with CEM and MRI demonstrate that both are considered crucial imaging modalities for cancer detection and diagnosis.

RELATED CONTENT

Learn more about GE HealthCare's breast imaging solutions:

- Mammography
- Magnetic resonance breast imaging
- Total breast care

REFERENCES

[1] Dromain C, Canale S, Saab-Puong S, Carton AK, Muller S, Fallenberg EM. Optimization of Contrast-Enhanced Mammography depending on clinical indication. J Med Imaging. 2014;1(3):033506. doi:10.1117/1.JMI.1.3.033506. Accessed November 12, 2019.

[1] Baltzer PAT, Kapetas, P, Marino MA, et al. New diagnostic tools for breast cancer. Magazine of Euro Med Oncol. 2017;10(3):175–180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12254-017-0341-5. Accessed on November 14, 2019.

[1] Monticciolo D, Newell MS, Moy L, et al. Breast cancer screening in women at higher-than-average risk: recommendations from the ACR. J Am College Radiol. 2018;15(3):408–414. Accessed November 12, 2019.

[1] Barra FR, Sobrinho AB, Barra RR, et al. Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) for detecting residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a comparison with breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:8531916. Published 2018 Nov 8. doi:10.1155/2018/8531916. Accessed November 14, 2019.

[1] Hobbs MM, Taylor DB, Buzynski S, Peake RE. CEM and CEMRI preferences and tolerance. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2015;59:300–305. doi:10.1111/1754-9485.12296. Accessed November 14, 2019.

[1] . Li L, Roth R, Germaine P, et al. Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) versus breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a retrospective comparison in 66 breast lesions. Diagn Intervent Imaging. 2017;98(2):113–123. Accessed November 14, 2019.

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Improved breast cancer imaging could help save lives

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Women's Health

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