A SenoBright Mammogram, also known as Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM), is an advanced breast imaging technique. This method goes beyond a standard mammogram by providing additional functional information about breast tissue. It helps detect breast cancer by highlighting areas with increased blood flow, which can indicate the presence of tumors. This approach offers more detailed insights than traditional mammography, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy in challenging cases.
How the Technology Works
SenoBright CESM utilizes an intravenous iodinated contrast agent. Cancerous tumors often develop new blood vessels that are more permeable than normal vessels, allowing the contrast agent to leak into and accumulate within tumor tissue.
The mammography machine takes images at two different X-ray energy levels: a low-energy image similar to a standard mammogram and a high-energy image. Specialized software processes these dual-energy images to create a “recombined” image. This image effectively subtracts background breast tissue to highlight areas where iodine contrast has accumulated, making suspicious lesions with increased blood flow visible.
When This Mammogram is Recommended
SenoBright Mammography is recommended when a standard mammogram might not provide sufficient clarity. Women with dense breast tissue can benefit from CESM, as dense tissue can obscure cancers on standard mammograms. The contrast enhancement highlights lesions regardless of breast density.
This advanced mammogram is also used when other imaging tests, such as ultrasound or a standard mammogram, show unclear findings. It can help further evaluate these suspicious areas to determine if additional investigation is needed. Furthermore, CESM can play a role in evaluating the extent of known breast cancer, providing information similar to what might be obtained from a breast MRI, particularly when MRI is not accessible or contraindicated for a patient. It can be comparable to MRI in diagnostic performance, offering a more accessible and quicker alternative.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Undergoing a SenoBright Mammogram is similar to a standard mammogram, but includes contrast administration. Before imaging, a healthcare professional inserts an intravenous (IV) line in an arm to administer the iodinated contrast agent. No specific fasting requirements are usually needed.
Once the contrast has been injected and circulated, the patient is positioned for the mammogram. As with a standard mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates for clear images and to minimize radiation dose. The machine then acquires low-energy and high-energy images for each breast, often taking less than 10 minutes for a complete bilateral exam. The entire appointment, including preparation, typically lasts around 30 minutes.
Interpreting Findings and Safety Aspects
After images are acquired, a radiologist interprets findings by reviewing both standard low-energy images and recombined images that highlight contrast uptake. Increased enhancement on recombined images indicates increased blood flow, which may suggest a lesion. The radiologist correlates these findings with other imaging results and the patient’s medical history.
Regarding safety, the iodinated contrast agent is the primary consideration. While generally safe, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as a warm sensation during injection, or rarely, allergic reactions. Patients with kidney issues may require evaluation before the procedure, since kidneys process the contrast agent. The radiation dose from a SenoBright Mammogram is slightly higher than a standard mammogram but remains within safe limits for diagnostic imaging. A healthcare provider discusses the results and any necessary follow-up actions with the patient.