Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids has introduced contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), a breast imaging technology that combines traditional mammography with contrast dye to improve early detection of breast cancer, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.
The Cedar Rapids hospital is currently the only facility in the city offering the CEM technology. The procedure involves an intravenous injection of contrast dye followed by a mammogram, with patients waiting about two minutes after injection before images are taken. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes.
“Contrast-enhanced mammography helps radiologists detect breast lesions, particularly in women with dense breasts, which could help diagnose breast cancer earlier,” said Stephanie Harris, director of Mercy Women’s Center. “This technology allows us to provide more comprehensive care to the women in our community, and we’re excited to begin offering it to patients. Already in its first week of use, CEM helped us identify a cancer diagnosis earlier than we might have otherwise – an outcome that underscores the value of this technology.”
Patients 60 or older, or those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, must have a blood test before the procedure to ensure safe administration of the contrast.
Dr. Robert Dolan, medical director of Mercy Women’s Center and radiologist with Radiology Consultants of Iowa, said the technology is useful in evaluating suspicious findings in individuals with known breast cancer or potentially malignant lesions.
“It’s on the cutting edge of what’s happening nationally,” Mr. Dolan said. “This is going to help us give patients the best care and catch cancer earlier. Contrast-enhanced mammography has diagnostic accuracy approaching that of an MRI and we’re pleased to bring it to our community.”
Access to the technology is currently limited to certain patients, but Mercy plans to expand availability in coming months. Insurance providers are more likely to cover the supplemental imaging for patients at elevated risk for breast cancer.
For more information about contrast-enhanced mammography at Mercy Women’s Center, visit www.mercycare.org/services/women/breast-health-services/
