Course Description
Breast cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women and can sometimes be detected on self-examinations before any symptoms appear. Mammography continues to be the gold standard in breast cancer screening as it can visualize lesions that appear as macrocalcifications (with or without a mass) that are nonpalpable on self-examinations. Breast calcifications are a common finding on screening mammograms and can be an early sign of breast cancer. To determine if breast calcifications are benign or malignant, a precise, targeted biopsy of the tissue, guided by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), may be performed to provide further critical diagnostic information. This histopathological analysis, combined with the mammographic images, can prevent patients from undergoing unnecessary procedures. This journal-article-based, continuing education course will review the decision-making process regarding biopsies after mammographic analysis using the BI-RADS system. Different breast biopsy procedures will be reviewed along with histopathological classifications, emphasizing the role of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy under stereotactic guidance. Ten complex cases, with images and histopathological analysis, will be presented and reviewed, which will highlight the critical diagnostic steps involved in clinical decision-making.

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

• SUMMARIZE the role of mammography combined with histopathologic analysis in the evaluation of calcifications and microcalcifications of the breast.
• COMPARE and CONTRAST fine-needle aspiration cytology, sonography-guided core needle biopsy, and vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) procedures and their roles in the diagnostic process.
• ILLUSTRATE the diagnostic process of microcalcifications via a pictorial review of real-world complex cases while emphasizing the importance of VABB.

Categories: Radiography, Mammography

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 8 out of 10 questions correctly to receive 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 1.0 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.

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.