Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and early detection is key to successful treatment. Mammography is a well-established screening tool for breast cancer, but it has limitations, especially in women with dense breast tissue. Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is a newer imaging technique that uses a contrast agent to enhance the visibility of breast tissue. In this article, we will discuss who should undergo CEM.
CEM is typically recommended for women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer or those who have had inconclusive or abnormal mammograms. Women with dense breast tissue are also good candidates for CEM since traditional mammography may miss small tumors or lesions hidden behind dense tissue. Women who have a personal or family history of breast cancer may be recommended to undergo CEM. Women who have a genetic mutation that increases their risk of developing breast cancer, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, may also be recommended for CEM.
Additionally, women who have had a previous breast biopsy, lumpectomy, or mastectomy may be recommended to undergo CEM to monitor for any recurrence of the cancer.
CEM can also be useful in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are undergoing treatment. The contrast agent used in CEM can help assess the response to treatment and detect any residual or recurrent tumors.
It is important to note that CEM is not recommended as a routine screening tool for all women. It is typically reserved for women with a higher risk of developing breast cancer or those with an inconclusive or abnormal mammogram. Women should discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare provider to determine if CEM is an appropriate screening tool for them.
In conclusion, CEM is a newer imaging technique that can be useful for women who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, those with dense breast tissue, or those who have had an inconclusive or abnormal mammogram. Women who have a personal or family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing breast cancer, or who have undergone previous breast surgery may also be recommended for CEM. If you have concerns about your breast health, speak to your healthcare provider about whether CEM is an appropriate screening tool for you.