Recent advances in breast-specific imaging.
BACKGROUND
Imaging the breast is a vital component not only for breast cancer screening, but also for diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of patients with breast cancer.


METHODS
The author reviews recent advances and also provides her personal experience in describing the status of digital mammography, computer-aided detection, dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron-emission mammography for evaluating the breast.


RESULTS
Full-field digital mammography is superior to standard mammography in women under 50 years of age and in those with dense breasts. Computer-aided detection assists inexperienced mammographers and enhances detection of microcalcifications in dense breasts. Breast MRI is useful in preoperative evaluation, clarification of indeterminate mammograms, and follow-up of BRCA mutation carriers. The specificity of MRI remains problematic, however. Positron-emission mammography promises enhanced detection of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), even when not associated with microcalcifications, and should aid surgical planning.


CONCLUSIONS
These four significant advances in breast imaging have all improved the sensitivity of detecting breast abnormalities. Cost issues, however, may limit the widespread application of these advances.
Berman
Claudia G
CG
Radiology Service, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. claudia.berman@moffitt.org.
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity