A contrast enhanced mammography examination provides additional information beyond a conventional mammogram, and may result in earlier detection of some cancers, similar to diagnostic breast MRI.

Contrast enhanced mammography has been shown to detect cancers that may not be visible on a mammogram. Contrast enhanced mammography is performed following a mammogram and/or an ultrasound exam to learn more about an area that looks abnormal or potentially abnormal.

Contrast enhanced mammography refers to the imaging of a drug, known as a contrast agent, using mammographic imaging equipment. The contrast agents are the same as ones typically used in standard computerized tomography examinations (commonly known as CAT scans).

How does contrast enhanced mammography work?

• Contrast agents have been shown to accumulate in areas of the breast where cancers may be forming or growing.
• A contrast enhanced mammography exam will help identify areas where the contrast agent is accumulating.

What to expect during your exam

A contrast enhanced mammography examination is similar to a conventional mammogram. The technologist injects the contrast agent into the patient’s arm, then waits about two minutes to allow the contrast agent to flow into the breast.

After the two minutes, the technologist will perform one or more conventional mammograms on the specific breast(s) of interest. The physician will then review the images to ensure that they have captured the appropriate information. The physician will also study the images to determine whether there are accumulations of the contrast agent in specific areas of the breast.

Will there be additional compression?

There is no additional compression required other than what is required for a conventional mammogram.

Thanks to technological innovations, the diagnosis and treatment of different forms of cancer have become more thorough, helping doctors improve patient outcomes. For example, 3D mammography provides more detailed imaging that shows tumorous growth from multiple angles —a vast improvement over the 2D imaging of the past.

Medical imaging’s advancement from 2D mammography to 3D mammography techniques was a breakthrough in breast cancer care. Although 2D images allow radiologists to detect abnormal breast tissue growth, they can also overlook abnormal tissue development that has replaced healthy breast tissue. As a result, breast tumors might go undetected and develop into malignant tumors.

3D mammography technology allows radiologists to observe normal and abnormal breast tissue from various angles and is used in conjunction with the digital (2D) mammography technique. However, 3D gives a more comprehensive view of a patient’s breast tissue.

Women who are at risk of breast cancer may exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Swelling in a part of the breast
• Dimpling of breast skin
• Inflammation or redness in and around the breasts
• Abnormal liquid discharge from the nipples
• Lumps in breast(s)

If you experience any of these signs, see your doctor immediately to schedule a diagnostic mammography.

Early breast cancer detection enables better treatment options, improves the chances of survival and enhances the quality of medical aid given to patients.

Diagnostic mammography

Diagnostic mammography is performed when patients feel any abnormal growth, pain, lump or swelling in their breasts. Patients can discuss these abnormalities with their physicians and schedule a diagnostic mammography.

Compared to digital mammography, diagnostic mammography allows the radiologist to view the breast tissue from multiple angles, helping to detect and diagnose any abnormal tissue growth.

Patients can discuss the results of their diagnostic mammography with our experienced breast radiologists.

How to prepare for a mammogram

Female patients can schedule a mammogram after it has been prescribed by their primary care physician or surgical specialist.

• Try to avoid scheduling a mammogram during or in the week leading up to your monthly period. A week after your period is considered the best time to get a mammogram.
• Discuss your medical history thoroughly with your physician. The physician should be briefed about any changes in breast tissue, abnormal discharge, medications you have been on and hormone use.
• Record your symptoms carefully and discuss in detail how you feel.
• Do not wear any perfume, talcum powder or deodorant, as these can mimic the appearance of calcium deposits on the mammogram.
• Radiologists should be notified of any breast implants.

TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center is committed to helping patients in our advanced facility, which is used by our trained and experienced doctors for surgical procedures to optimize patient outcomes.

We also accept major medical insurance plans for most procedures at our facility.

Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you.