Course Description
Even well into the 21st century, breast cancer still claims thousands of lives every year in the United States (US). Some patient populations are more susceptible to missed diagnoses, particularly those with dense breasts. However, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has proven to be a helpful radiologic tool to assist with catching breast cancer early during breast screenings. Combined with other modalities, DBT provides views and angles that may not be able to be achieved using digital mammography alone. To that end, it is crucial that breast imaging radiologic technologists and mammographers working with DBT are kept up-to-date about the latest data and information in order to effectively perform this imaging study and provide the best possible patient care. This course will review the impact that breast cancer has had in the US and how a patient's age, medical and family history, and breast density impact their risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. A review of breast anatomy will be detailed as will a description of the most commonly diagnosed types of breast cancer and various treatment options. An overview of breast cancer tumor staging, breast density descriptors and reporting procedures, and national and local legislation requiring patient notification regarding their breast density will also be given. The role of DBT in screening patients for breast cancer and how best to utilize it along with other forms of mammography will be discussed. Finally, DBT functionality, equipment, processes, image acquisition, quality control, and radiation safety considerations will all be highlighted.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• SUMMARIZE the prevalence and impact of breast cancer in the United States.
• EXPLAIN the importance of early recognition of breast cancer, including implications for prognosis, survival, and treatment selection.
• OUTLINE the role of mammography in breast cancer screening and diagnosis, including the potential limitations of mammography in women with dense breast tissue.
• SUMMARIZE the physical principles of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), DBT system design, image acquisition, quality control, the effectiveness of DBT in breast cancer detection, and indications for use.
• OUTLINE the steps for a successful DBT imaging study, including documenting previous history and clinical findings, patient positioning and views, patient counseling and education, and steps to reduce radiation exposure.

Categories: Mammography, Radiation Therapy

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 18 out of 24 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.
Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits).

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.