Contrast Enhanced Mammography

Who Should Get CEM?

Your radiologist or your healthcare provider may suggest that you have the test done. Contrast mammography may be helpful if:

• You had an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound.
• Your doctor would like you to get a breast MRI, but you are unable to have one due to claustrophobia, having a stent or some other reason.
• You have breast cancer and your doctor wants to see if there is more cancer in your breast.

What Are the Benefits of CEM?

Benefits of CEM include:

• Finds cancer that could be missed on regular mammograms or ultrasounds.
• Safe and fast.
• An effective alternative to breast MRI and breast MRI with contrast when the patient cannot tolerate an MRI.

What Are the Risks of CEM?

CEM uses X-ray radiation to take pictures. The amount of radiation is slightly higher than a conventional mammogram but is still considered safe.

CEM uses contrast dye, similar to a CT scan. Some people can have an allergic reaction to the dye. Allergic reactions are rare, most often mild, and occur in fewer than 1 percent of people. The most common allergic reaction is hives. Some people can have more serious allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing.

Kidney problems can occur with contrast dye if you have known kidney disease.

What Is the Test Like?

An intravenous (IV) line is placed in the arm and contrast dye is given through the IV line. After the dye is delivered, the procedure is similar to a mammogram. We take at least two images of each breast, though more pictures may be needed. Once the dye is injected, the procedure takes less than 10 minutes.

What Happens After the Test?

The radiologist will look at the images. If needed, your doctor may order other imaging tests or a biopsy. The radiologist can help answer any questions you may have.

Who Should Not Get CEM?

You should not get a contrast enhanced mammogram if you have had an allergic reaction to contrast dye, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems.