Imaging for breast pain is not usually recommended, however, ultrasound may be appropriate for women with focal, noncyclic pain.
Focal noncyclical breast pain is rarely a sign of cancer, however, ultrasound may be an appropriate imaging modality for initial examination, according to an article published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. A multidisciplinary expert panel annually reviews the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria, evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions, including imaging guidelines for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. The panel reviewed the use of imaging for patients who present with breast pain which, although common, is rarely associated with breast cancer. According to the panel, appropriate workup depends on the nature and focality of the pain, as well as the age of the patient. Imaging evaluation is usually not indicated if the pain is cyclic or nonfocal, while imaging may be appropriate for complaints of focal, noncyclic pain, mainly for reassurance and to identify treatable causes. Ultrasound can be the initial examination used to evaluate women under age 30 with focal, noncyclic breast pain; for women 30 and older, diagnostic mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, and ultrasound may all serve as appropriate initial examinations. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
Stay at the forefront of radiology with the Diagnostic Imaging newsletter, delivering the latest news, clinical insights, and imaging advancements for today’s radiologists.
Mammography Study: AI Facilitates Greater Accuracy and Longer Fixation Time on Suspicious Areas
July 8th 2025While noting no differences in sensitivity, specificity or reading time with adjunctive AI for mammography screening, the authors of a new study noted a 4 percent higher AUC and increased fixation time on lesion regions.
Can Contrast-Enhanced Mammography be a Viable Screening Alternative to Breast MRI?
June 17th 2025While the addition of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) led to over a 13 percent increase in false positive cases, researchers also noted over double the cancer yield per 1,000 women in comparison to DBT alone.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography and High-Concentration ICM Dosing: What a New Study Reveals
June 16th 2025New research showed a 96 to 97 percent sensitivity for contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) with an increased iodine delivery rate facilitating robust contrast enhancement for women with aggressive breast cancer.