Dedicated Breast CT: Screening Technique of the Future

Mammography has been the mainstay of breast imaging for over four decades and is the only screening modality demonstrated to reduce mortality from breast cancer. The known limitations of mammography have prompted the development of newer imaging techniques with three-dimensional capabilities such as dedicated breast computed tomography (bCT). Several studies have shown the superiority of bCT in detection of breast masses, when compared to 2-D mammography. Malignant micro-calcification lesions can be detected and characterized by bCT. With further development of higher resolution detectors, bCT should become a modality for large population screening. Contrast-enhanced bCT (CE-bCT) adds improved specificity over mammography and may be utilized as an imaging biomarker in the emerging era of precision medicine.