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European Journal of Radiology Oct 2022In X-ray breast imaging, Digital Mammography (DM) and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), are the standard and largely used techniques, both for diagnostic and screening... (Review)
Review
In X-ray breast imaging, Digital Mammography (DM) and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), are the standard and largely used techniques, both for diagnostic and screening purposes. Other techniques, such as dedicated Breast Computed Tomography (BCT) and Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM) have been developed as an alternative or a complementary technique to the established ones. The performance of these imaging techniques is being continuously assessed to improve the image quality and to reduce the radiation dose. These imaging modalities are predominantly used in the diagnostic setting to resolve incomplete or indeterminate findings detected with conventional screening examinations and could potentially be used either as an adjunct or as a primary screening tool in select populations, such as for women with dense breasts. The aim of this review is to describe the radiation dosimetry for these imaging techniques, and to compare the mean glandular dose with standard breast imaging modalities, such as DM and DBT.
Topics: Breast; Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mammography; Radiometry; X-Rays
PubMed: 36087425
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110509 -
Journal of Breast Imaging Oct 2022When interpreting mammography, breast radiologists may identify radiopaque densities in the axilla on the mediolateral oblique or lateral projections. When such... (Review)
Review
When interpreting mammography, breast radiologists may identify radiopaque densities in the axilla on the mediolateral oblique or lateral projections. When such densities are encountered, true calcifications must be differentiated from pseudocalcifications (artifact). Using imaging, breast radiologists should be able to localize the finding as being dermal, within the soft tissues, within a lymph node, or intramuscular. By combining the anatomic location with the clinical presentation and any other imaging findings, breast radiologists will be able to determine the most appropriate management.
Topics: Humans; Axilla; Breast; Calcinosis; Lymph Nodes; Mammography
PubMed: 38416948
DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbac058 -
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &... Nov 2023Mammography enables early detection of breast cancer, a critical factor in improving treatment outcomes and breast cancer mortality. Yet, not all women benefit equally,...
Mammography enables early detection of breast cancer, a critical factor in improving treatment outcomes and breast cancer mortality. Yet, not all women benefit equally, and striking racial disparities in breast cancer mortality persist, with Black women 40% more likely to die from breast cancer compared with non-Hispanic White women. The current issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention presents three informative reports revealing racial and ethnic variations in mammography's performance in risk stratification, detection, and surveillance. The performance dynamics of mammography across different racial and ethnic groups highlight the urgency for additional research and innovative interventions to ensure equitable breast cancer control. We emphasize a pressing need for a comprehensive evaluation of multilevel influences on the performance and implementation of mammography in racially and ethnically diverse populations, complemented by equally urgent efforts to address factors influencing the risk of aggressive tumor subtypes and timely and effective treatment delivery. See related articles by Kerlikowske et al., p. 1524, Hubbard et al., p. 1531, Nyante et al., p. 1542.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Mammography; Ethnicity; Power, Psychological; Healthcare Disparities
PubMed: 37908191
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-23-0926 -
JAMA Jan 2022
Topics: Breast; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Mammography
PubMed: 34982116
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.23000 -
American Journal of Surgery Aug 2019From its inception, screening mammography has enjoyed a perceived level of sensitivity that is inconsistent with available evidence. The original data that imparted... (Review)
Review
From its inception, screening mammography has enjoyed a perceived level of sensitivity that is inconsistent with available evidence. The original data that imparted erroneous beliefs about sensitivity were based on a variety of misleading definitions and approaches, such as the inclusion of palpable tumors, using the inverse of interval cancer rates (often tied to an arbitrary 12 month interval), and quoting prevalence screen sensitivity wherein tumors are larger than those found on incidence screens. This review addresses the background for the overestimation of mammographic sensitivity, and how a major adjustment in our thinking is overdue now that multi-modality imaging allows us to determine real time mammographic sensitivity. Although a single value for mammographic sensitivity is disingenuous, given the wide range based on background density, it is important to realize that a sensitivity gap between belief and reality still exists in the early detection of breast cancer using mammography alone, in spite of technologic advances. Failure to recognize this gap diminishes the acceptance of adjunct methods of breast imaging that greatly complement detection rates.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Mammography; Multimodal Imaging; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 30739738
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.01.039 -
Ethnicity & Health May 2020Abnormal mammograms confirmed as benign are known as false-positive mammography (FPM) results. Research indicates that a history of FPM results may be linked to...
Abnormal mammograms confirmed as benign are known as false-positive mammography (FPM) results. Research indicates that a history of FPM results may be linked to diagnostic delays in Black women, yet much of the research on FPM has focused on White women. The purpose of this study was to examine: 1) The influence of FPM on breast cancer (BrCa) screening beliefs and intentions among Black women and 2) Whether emotional states, personality traits or coping behaviors altered the previously described relationships. BrCa-free, Black women, aged 40 and older who completed screening mammograms in 2016 were recruited for a case-control study from 2016 to 2017. Women with FPM results were cases, and women with normal results served as matched controls. Print surveys assessing demographics, personality traits, emotions, BrCa screening history, BrCa beliefs, and africentric coping behaviors were mailed to participants. The final sample consisted of 118 respondents (55 cases, 63 controls). Ordinary least squares (OLS) models were constructed. Personality traits and emotions were tested as mediators and coping behaviors as moderators of the relationship between FPM results and BrCa beliefs. FPM status was associated with a higher perception of barriers to mammography, and an elevated perception of barriers was associated with lower intentions to complete mammography. Collective coping behaviors functioned as a moderator and were associated with a decreased perception of mammography barriers in women with FPM results. FPM status had a detrimental impact on mammography intention indirectly through the perception of mammography barriers, but the use of africentric coping behaviors moderated the relationship between FPM status and perceived barriers to mammography. Culturally specific research focused on Black women is needed to explore influences on BrCa screening beliefs and mammography completion in this population.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Black or African American; Breast Neoplasms; Case-Control Studies; Culture; Early Detection of Cancer; Emotions; False Positive Reactions; Female; Humans; Intention; Mammography; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 30676782
DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2019.1571563 -
Canadian Association of Radiologists... Feb 2022
Topics: Breast; Contrast Media; Female; Humans; Image Enhancement; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mammography
PubMed: 34786964
DOI: 10.1177/08465371211049674 -
Journal of Cancer Policy Dec 2023This study aims to provide an academic medical overview of the framework and key outcomes of two mammography quality certification programs in Brazil. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This study aims to provide an academic medical overview of the framework and key outcomes of two mammography quality certification programs in Brazil.
METHODS
These programs assess radiation dose and phantom image quality in mammography units through a postal system. Each unit that passes this initial assessment is required to submit a sample of copies of five complete examinations. The quality of the patient images and reports is then reviewed by radiologists and medical physicist experts. Additionally, the number of mammography units and mammography coverage in the target population, were assessed.
RESULTS
During the study period, 1007 units applied to the certification programs, and 934 (92.8%) successfully passed the assessment of radiation dose and phantom image quality. Out of these, 556 (59.5%) also passed the review of clinical image quality and reports, earning certification. The main issues related to mammogram and report quality were associated with the performance of radiographers (in terms of positioning) and radiologists (in terms of interpretation). On average, there are more than two mammography units/10,000 women in the target group. The screening mammography coverage in this group is 26.3% for women relying exclusively on the public healthcare and 58.1% for women with private healthcare plans.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates the suitability of the framework adopted by national mammography quality certification programs in a middle-income country. These programs are carried out by relatively small workforce and at reasonable costs, utilizing postal resources to cover the large number of existing mammographic units and the vast distances within the country.
POLICY STATEMENT
All mammography services in Brazil must adhere to the quality requirements for examinations and reference values for radiation dose to women established by the Ministry of Health. This ensures standardized conditions for early detection of breast cancer and minimizes the risk associated with x-rays.
Topics: Female; Humans; Brazil; Breast Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Mammography; Workforce
PubMed: 37625468
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100437 -
BMC Cancer Dec 2021The debate continues among medical professionals regarding the frequency, starting age, and stopping age for mammography screening. Some experts suggest tailoring...
BACKGROUND
The debate continues among medical professionals regarding the frequency, starting age, and stopping age for mammography screening. Some experts suggest tailoring recommendations based on individuals' personal breast cancer risk. Previous studies have not compared the impact of annual versus biennial mammography stratified by age group and risk category. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mammography frequency and mortality by age group and risk category in the California Teachers Study.
METHODS
Using data from study questionnaires from 93,438 women between the ages of 40 and 85 and linkages to the California Cancer Registry and other indices, overall and breast cancer-specific mortality by mammography frequency were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, stratified by age group and risk category at baseline as determined by the Gail breast cancer risk model.
RESULTS
During the follow-up period of 20 years, overall mortality risk was lower in women who had annual or biennial mammography compared to less frequent or no mammography in all age groups. Annual mammography was associated with lower overall mortality risk compared to biennial mammography among women age 50-85. This difference was especially apparent in women age 60-74, regardless of estimated Gail risk category at baseline. Breast cancer-specific mortality was lower among women who had annual mammography compared to biennial or less frequent mammography among women age 60-74, regardless of their baseline risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that at least biennial mammography is beneficial to most women age 40-85 and that annual mammography is more beneficial than biennial mammography to most women age 50-85 in terms of overall mortality.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; California; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Mammography; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Time Factors
PubMed: 34922473
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-09071-1 -
Physics in Medicine and Biology Nov 2023Breast cancer, which is the most common type of malignant tumor among humans, is a leading cause of death in females. Standard treatment strategies, including... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer, which is the most common type of malignant tumor among humans, is a leading cause of death in females. Standard treatment strategies, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, postoperative chemotherapy, targeted therapy, endocrine therapy, and radiotherapy, are tailored for individual patients. Such personalized therapies have tremendously reduced the threat of breast cancer in females. Furthermore, early imaging screening plays an important role in reducing the treatment cycle and improving breast cancer prognosis. The recent innovative revolution in artificial intelligence (AI) has aided radiologists in the early and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. In this review, we introduce the necessity of incorporating AI into breast imaging and the applications of AI in mammography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography based on published articles since 1994. Moreover, the challenges of AI in breast imaging are discussed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Mammography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37722385
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acfade