Advanced Tools that Save Lives

Thanks to cutting-edge imaging technology, “We have saved lives,” says Elizabeth Angelakis, MD, Chief of Breast Imaging at the Breast Care Center at CMC.

Published 10/16/2016

Cutting-edge technology enhances otherwise challenging detection

Thanks to cutting-edge imaging technology, “We have saved lives,” says Elizabeth Angelakis, MD, Chief of Breast Imaging at the Breast Care Center at CMC. “We have very powerful tools that most centers do not have. 3-D imaging, for example, has been a wonderful asset to allow us to better see through breast tissue to both determine that there is no malignancy or to detect an otherwise invisible malignancy.”

Until recently, dense breasts were particularly challenging to image. Automated breast ultrasound screening is the Breast Care Center’s new standard for these patients – as well as high risk patients – in helping to detect early-stage breast cancer not seen on a mammogram.

In addition to 3-D imaging and ultrasound, “contrast enhanced mammography continues to amaze us.” This helps patients who have a palpable mass but had no visible finding on their mammogram or ultrasound due to breast density. New 3-D software allows Dr. Angelakis to superimpose enhanced contrast mammography over 3-D imaging to give a full and detailed picture of a patient’s breast.

“We never know which way cancer is going to be best seen and some are very hard to detect. These advanced tools help us find cancer early and save lives.”