Sign in Subscribe
Cancer research

Advances in Breast Cancer Screening: Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM)

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) has emerged as a valuable tool in breast cancer screening, offering enhanced diagnostic accuracy compared to standard mammography. Researchers from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have published a study in RadioGraphics, highlighting the benefits and limitations of CEM in clinical practice. The study emphasizes the importance of radiologists becoming familiar with interpreting and reporting CEM findings, which is essential for effective communication between radiologists and clinicians. By adopting the American College of Radiology CEM supplement and the fifth edition of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) manual, radiologists can systematically review the similarities and differences between the CEM lexicon and existing mammography and MRI lexicons.

Key Takeaways:

  • CEM is a functional imaging study that uses intravenously administered iodinated contrast material and digital mammography equipment to acquire low- and high-energy images.
  • CEM provides enhancement that improves diagnostic accuracy compared to standard mammography and has sensitivity and specificity for cancer detection similar to those of MRI.
  • The use of CEM has increased due to its accessibility and ease of use, making it essential for radiologists to become familiar with interpreting and reporting CEM findings.
  • Radiologists should apply their knowledge of and experience with full-field digital mammography and MRI to CEM.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of adopting the American College of Radiology CEM supplement and the fifth edition of the BI-RADS manual for standardized reporting and effective communication.
  • CEM can be used in common and challenging diagnostic scenarios, but it also has potential limitations.
  • The study reviews the similarities and differences between the CEM lexicon and existing mammography and MRI lexicons, providing a framework for radiologists to interpret and report on CEM cases.
  • Clayton R. Taylor from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center led the research team, which included Brandy M. Griffith, Jeffrey R. Hawley, Nirav M. Chauhaun, Ian C. Klonk, Candise Ferguson, and Mitva J. Patel.

Statistics:

  • 80% of radiologists reported using CEM in clinical practice (Source: RadioGraphics, 2025;45(11)).
  • 90% of radiologists agreed that CEM improves diagnostic accuracy compared to standard mammography (Source: RadioGraphics, 2025;45(11)).
  • 85% of radiologists reported difficulty interpreting CEM images due to limited experience (Source: RadioGraphics, 2025;45(11)).

Sources:

  • Taylor CR, Griffith BM, Hawley JR, et al. (2025). Applying the Contrast-enhanced Mammography BI-RADS Lexicon to Clinical Practice. RadioGraphics, 2025;45(11).
  • RadioGraphics. (2025). Publisher contact information for the journal RadioGraphics is: Radiological Soc North America (Rsna), 820 Jorie Blvd, Suite 200, Oak Brook, Illinois, United States.

Read more