The Importance of a Breast Trained Radiologist Reading Your Mammogram
For many women, a mammogram is a routine procedure that has been recommended by healthcare professionals for years. It is a screening test used to detect signs of breast cancer in its early stages, which is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. However, not all mammograms are equal because how a standardized mammogram is read is anything but standard. A mammogram is better when it is evaluated by breast experts. Breast radiologists are fellowship-trained, beyond board certification, to recognize the earliest stages of breast cancer while not creating too many false-positive readings that require additional unnecessary testing and biopsies. “My aunt underwent imaging for a palpable lump that was called “normal” at her imaging center, yet when I saw her images, I immediately diagnosed 3 separate breast cancers that were all missed by the general radiologist who read her exams”, says Dr. Pearson. Unfortunately, 60% of mammograms are currently read by general radiologists. Boutique Breast Imaging recognizes the critical role of having a specialized breast radiologist in ensuring the most accurate mammography readings and the subsequent impact on patient outcomes.
1. Understanding the Unique Way Breasts Appear
Breasts are composed of varying types of fatty and glandular tissue, unique to each woman. Women’s breasts differ in size, shape, and density, undergoing changes with pregnancy, surgery, menopause and aging that make it challenging to detect early abnormalities. Radiologists who specialize in breast imaging understand this complexity of unique breast appearances, hormonal changes, surgical changes, and the many stages of fibrocystic changes. They use this expert knowledge to detect even the tiniest findings that may signify early cancer. Boutique Breast Imaging prioritizes the expertise of breast-trained radiologists who comprehend the intricacies of breast tissue to enhance the precision of mammogram readings.
2. Identifying Subtle Changes in Breast Tissue
A breast-trained radiologist can catch the subtle differences between normal breast tissue and abnormal ones. Changes like these can indicate early stages of cancer, when it is easily treated with minimal surgery and no need for toxic chemotherapy. Boutique Breast Imaging employs radiologists with specialized training to ensure accurate identification of subtle changes in breast tissue, promoting early detection and allowing for effective treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.
3. Interpreting the Images Correlating and Clinical Assessment
A breast radiologist is trained to assess and compare mammogram images with those taken on previous visits. They can identify and track changes in a patient’s breast tissue over time. Their extensive training in breast imaging maximizes their abilities in mammography interpretation, as well as the application of additional diagnostic imaging, ultrasound and MRIs, and correlation with patient’s personal medical history inclusive of family history, physical exam, prior surgeries and use of hormones and medications. If there are findings that need a biopsy, breast radiologists expedite the schedule to provide the fastest answers possible, and they are the dedicated experts in performing the safest, most painless, and quickest tissue sampling possible. Boutique Breast Imaging emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessments by breast trained radiologists, who value the patient as an individual beyond their anatomy.
4. Comprehensive Management of Breast Abnormalities
In most cases, if a close interpretation of a mammogram indicates any abnormality, a breast biopsy is the next step. A radiologist who is trained in breast imaging will be highly skilled in performing breast biopsies and can provide a detailed discussion on the biopsy results. In some cases, depending on the abnormality detected, the radiologist may require close follow-up imaging. At Boutique Breast Imaging, we understand the significance of comprehensive management and employ compassionate radiologists proficient in both interpretation and intervention, facilitating seamless personalized care for patients.
5. Improved Outcomes
An experienced radiologist understands the pathophysiology of differing types of high risk breast lesions and various types of breast cancer. Working closely with a dedicated breast pathologist, the breast radiologist can optimize complete diagnosis prior to any surgery and ensure that the patient has all of the information necessary for surgical and oncologic planning. Intensive specialization in breast imaging enhances informed treatment decisions and, as a result, better outcomes for patients. Boutique Breast Imaging is committed to delivering the best patient outcomes, communicating closely with all of our breast surgeons and treating physicians, ensuring precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans as we would for our own families.
In conclusion, not all radiologists are specialty-trained in breast imaging, which could lead to inaccuracies: more false positive results with more unnecessary recall exams and biopsies, and delayed diagnoses of early treatable breast cancer. A fellowship-trained breast radiologist will detect the earliest signs of breast cancer without creating too many “breast cancer scares”. They are the most knowledgeable in state-of-the-art breast imaging, procedures, breast health and diseases, physical exams, current research and patient education. They will provide the most comprehensive evaluation and personalized screening recommendations, increasing the chances of early-stage cancer detection and optimizing patient care. Boutique Breast Imaging stands at the forefront of this commitment to excellence in breast health care.