Course Description

In 2016, 246 660 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 61 000 will be diagnosed with in situ breast cancer. Diagnosis of breast cancer can be challenging as the distinction of benign from malignant disease is not always conclusive from imaging studies. Mammography is the mainstay of breast cancer screening, however, mammography misses roughly 20% of breast cancers (false-negatives), and its performance is even worse in young women with dense breasts. Some patients will be over diagnosed and needlessly treated. Mammography is also associated with a high false-positive rate, with 70% to 80% of biopsies coming back negative. Other imaging modalities, including sonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine breast imaging are important tools to aid in the identification and differentiation of abnormalities of the breast tissue. This article will examine the anatomy of the breast, describe the malignant pathology arising in the breast tissue, and discuss the role of imaging in detecting these abnormalities. A brief summary of current treatment regimens is also provided.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the anatomy of the breast.
• Identify the different types of breast cancer.
• Explain the role of complementary imaging modalities in screening and diagnosing breast cancer.
• Define current approaches for treating metastatic breast cancer.

Categories: Mammography, nuclear medicine

CE Information
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 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 1.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board for MDCB credit.

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.