Contrast-Enhanced Mammography

At Memorial Hermann, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate breast care. We understand that early detection is important, and our Breast Care Centers offer a range of screening and diagnostic breast-imaging tests to help you get the information you need in a caring and trusted environment.

While digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammogram) is the primary tool used to screen for breast cancer, some women may benefit from a newer option called contrast-enhancing mammography.

Just like with a standard mammogram, a contrast-enhanced mammogram involves taking multiple images of breast tissue so physicians can look for cancer or other concerns. A contrast-enhanced mammogram has an added function, injected contrast dye, that “illuminates” tissue and can help the physician see any abnormalities more clearly.

Before the images are taken, you will receive an intravenous (IV) injection of an iodine solution that travels through your system and reaches the breast area. Once the contrast solution has been delivered, it provides a more detailed view of the breasts when the images are taken. Images from a contrast-enhanced mammogram reduce the challenges of viewing overlapping tissue that can happen with standard mammography and may help reveal suspicious areas in the breasts.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of contrast-enhanced mammograms as a diagnostic tool. Women who need additional imaging, beyond a routine screening mammogram, may benefit from a contrast-enhanced mammogram. This may include women with:

• Dense breast tissue
• Inconclusive results from a screening mammogram
• Increased risk of breast cancer
• Lump(s) identified during a physical exam
• Contraindications to breast MRI

Contrast-enhancing mammograms are also helpful for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The contrast dye provides additional viewing access to any areas already identified as cancerous and can help assess the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment already in progress.

Clearer Images of Dense Breast Tissue

Contrast-enhanced mammography may provide better visual images of dense breast tissue than other forms of mammography. Dense breast tissue can make it difficult to clearly see problem areas with traditional 2D or 3D technology. The use of contrast dye helps display abnormalities that might be hidden otherwise.

An Alternative to Breast MRI

Women who are claustrophobic and cannot tolerate MRI testing may be more comfortable with contrast-enhanced mammography. In addition, mammography generally takes less time to perform, and results are available faster than with MRI testing. The cost of mammography is often lower than MRI testing.

3D Screening Mammogram vs. Contrast-Enhanced Mammogram: What Are the Differences?

3D screening mammograms and contrast-enhanced mammograms are both used to identify breast abnormalities and diagnose cancer as early as possible. Both exams compress the breasts and take multiple X-ray images of breast tissue.

There are two main differences between the tests. First, the contrast-enhanced mammogram may last longer than the 3D mammogram because of the extra time involved in administering the contrast solution. Second, the contrast dye produces images that highlight problem areas more distinctly and may allow your doctor to view the breast tissue better to make a diagnosis.

Contrast-enhanced mammograms are one of several options to view the breasts and identify cancerous tissue. Each woman is unique and has her own health needs and risk factors. Speaking with a health care provider can provide the necessary information to make an informed choice.

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