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Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography
Published on: November 14, 2025
Molecular Breast Imaging in Breast Cancer Screening and Problem Solving
Robin B Shermis1, Roberta E Redfern1, Jessica Burns1
1From ProMedica Breast Care Center, ProMedica Toledo Hospital, 2121 Hughes Dr, 1st Floor, Toledo, OH 43606 (R.B.S.); ProMedica Research, ProMedica Health System, Toledo, Ohio (R.E.R.); Department of Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio (J.B.); and Gamma Medica, Salem, NH (H.K.).
Molecular breast imaging (MBI) offers high sensitivity and specificity for supplemental breast cancer screening in women with dense breasts. This approach integrates MBI with digital breast tomosynthesis and risk assessment for personalized screening strategies.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Legislative mandates in 28+ US states require notification of breast density after mammography.
- Increased public awareness drives demand for supplemental breast cancer screening options.
- Radiologists lack consensus on optimal supplemental screening modalities beyond mammography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and implementation of molecular breast imaging (MBI) as a supplemental screening tool.
- To describe an integrated breast cancer screening approach combining digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) with functional imaging.
- To outline the practical aspects of integrating MBI into clinical workflows.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes DBT as the primary imaging modality.
- Complements DBT with automated density calculations.
- Supplements screening with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or MBI based on patient risk algorithms.
- Employs MBI as a problem-solving tool for complex cases and unexplained findings.
Main Results:
- MBI demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for supplemental screening.
- An algorithm guides the selection of MR imaging or MBI for high-risk women.
- MBI serves effectively in evaluating clinical indications and physical findings.
Conclusions:
- MBI is a valuable addition to breast cancer screening, particularly for women with dense breasts.
- An integrated approach using DBT, risk stratification, and functional imaging (MBI or MR) optimizes screening.
- Successful clinical implementation requires attention to workflow, patient management, and procedural details.
