As healthcare professionals, understanding the challenges of screening dense breasts is crucial for effective breast cancer detection. Dense breast tissue, characterised by more fibrous or glandular tissue, can significantly obscure cancer in standard mammograms.
Challenges with Standard Mammograms:
- Dense tissue can camouflage abnormalities.
- This increases the complexity in detecting breast cancer early.
Advanced Screening for Dense Breasts:
When dealing with dense breasts, consider recommending additional or alternative imaging methods:
- Breast ultrasound
- Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM): Particularly beneficial for dense breast tissue, CEM combines mammography with an intravenous contrast agent to enhance tumor visibility.
- MRI
Key Considerations for Referrals:
- Tailor screening recommendations to each patient’s unique profile, including their health history and breast cancer risk.
- Familiarise yourself with advanced imaging options like CEM to offer informed recommendations.
- Partnering with specialised imaging centers can ensure your patients receive the most comprehensive care.
As leaders in breast imaging, Breast Imaging Victoria is committed to offering state-of-the-art services like CEM. We welcome referrals and are ready to collaborate in providing the best care for your patients.