Breast Screening with Mammography and MRI: Current and Future Trends

Heidi Veillette, BSc, RT(R)(MR)*

^*Medical Writer, Veillette Communications, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Address correspondence to: Heidi@VeilletteCommunications.com

Disclosure statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

ABSTRACT

Mammography is the primary modality for breast cancer screening, with a supplementary contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) examination recommended for high-risk patients. These modalities are very effective in diagnosing patients with breast cancer, but both have limitations that require research and protocol updates for improved detection. Mammography has a lower sensitivity than CE-MRI, or lower ability to correctly detect pathology. Digital breast tomosynthesis and contrast-enhanced (CE) mammography are 2 innovative technologies that can potentially improve the sensitivity of mammography. MRI examinations can be lengthy, are usually expensive, and are sometimes unavailable for a large portion of the population. However, reducing the examination time with abbreviated or ultrafast protocols can preserve the high sensitivity and ultimately lower the cost, which can allow more patients to be scanned in a single day. Other innovations in MRI of the breast include updating equipment to improve image quality and creating a protocol that does not require contrast injection. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have also improved lesion detection and diagnosis, assisting radiologists with interpretation, speed, and accuracy. This course will outline new techniques and protocols in mammography and MRI, consider the benefits and limitations of each new technique, and describe how AI with computer-aided detection and accurate diagnosis may improve breast cancer screening results.