Early detection is key to successful breast cancer treatment. Yet, for women with dense breast tissue, standard mammograms can leave providers and patients with more questions than answers. Enter contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM)—a leading-edge screening technique offered at Bedford Breast Center that’s now gaining national attention for its game-changing role in breast health.
What Is Contrast-Enhanced Mammography?
CEM is a specialized imaging technique that combines traditional mammography with a safe, iodine-based contrast dye. After the dye is injected into a vein, the mammogram captures images highlighting areas of increased blood flow—an early sign of cancerous activity.
The result? A clearer, more detailed picture of what’s happening inside your breast tissue, especially when dense tissue may be hiding abnormalities. It’s also beneficial for women who are currently undergoing breast cancer treatment or who have higher breast cancer risk factors.
While not yet widely available at breast centers across the country, we’re proud to offer this groundbreaking technology at Bedford Breast Center.
Why Is CEM Especially Important if You Have Dense Breast Tissue?
Dense breast tissue is common—about half of women age 40 and older have it. Unfortunately, dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, just like many tumors, making it harder for standard screening to catch early cancers. This “masking effect” increases the risk of a tumor going undetected during routine screening.
Because CEM shows vascular changes and contrast uptake, it helps bypass this challenge. A recent Lancet study shows that CEM is far less affected by breast density than traditional mammography, dramatically improving visualization for women with dense breasts:
Key Finding:
In the UK Lancet/BRAID study involving more than 9,000 women with dense breasts and negative mammograms, contrast-enhanced mammography detected nearly 4 times more invasive cancers in dense breast tissue than automated whole-breast ultrasound. Importantly, the tumors identified by CEM averaged about half the size (≈11 mm vs. 22 mm), suggesting earlier detection in a population where dense tissue can obscure disease. This means that women with dense breasts—who often leave annual screenings with false reassurance—now have access to a tool that sees more and sees it sooner.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography vs MRI and Standard Mammogram
While MRI has long been considered the gold standard for supplemental imaging in high-risk patients, it’s costly, time-consuming, and not always easily accessible. CEM offers advanced diagnostic benefits at a lower cost, with quicker turnaround times and excellent reliability.
| Feature | Standard Mammogram | Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) | MRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affected by breast density | Yes | Much less | No |
| Detects small/invisible tumors | Limited | Yes – greater sensitivity | Highest sensitivity |
| Need for contrast injection | No | Yes (iodine-based, similar to CT scan) | Yes (gadolinium-based) |
| Cost and time | Lowest, fast | Moderate, ~10 min per scan | Highest, longer scan/limited access |
| Comfort | Routine, open | Routine, open | May trigger claustrophobia |
| Insurance coverage | Widespread | Coverage depends, growing as evidence mounts | Usually only for high-risk patients |
| Additional findings | May miss hidden cancers | Detects more, finds earlier-stage lesions | Highest detection, least missed |
What To Expect During Your CEM Exam
The process is very similar to a traditional mammogram and takes about the same amount of time. You’ll receive an IV injection of the contrast dye, wait a few minutes for it to circulate, and then undergo the mammogram. The comfort level is comparable to a regular screening; no special preparation is required.
Take Charge of Your Screening
Dense breast tissue doesn’t need to be a mystery or a barrier to early detection. If you have dense breast tissue or a higher risk of breast cancer, CEM could be an ideal addition to your screening routine.
Our patients benefit from the latest breast imaging, including CEM and our advanced Vera Scan breast CT, designed for comfort and optimal results. Remember, it’s your health, your body! At Bedford Breast Center, our caring, knowledgeable providers are here to help you stay a step ahead. Please request a consultation online or call us at (310) 278-8590 to schedule an appointment.
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