Reducing Errors in Breast Imaging: Insights From Missed and Near-Missed Cases

Errors and misdiagnosis in breast imaging are significant concerns for breast imaging radiologists due to the negative impacts on patients and the high legal risks. Using missed and nearly missed diagnoses of breast cancer cases, this article introduces radiologists to common factors contributing to errors and misdiagnosis in breast imaging, including radiologist errors, improper imaging techniques, lesion characteristics, and work environment challenges. The article also provides practical recommendations and potential strategies to reduce these errors focusing on actions applicable to individual radiologists. Understanding the common causes of diagnostic errors in breast imaging and implementing targeted mitigating strategies can help radiologists improve diagnostic precision, reduce malpractice risk, and enhance patient care.