Clearer Answers for Dense Breasts
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography: A Powerful Tool for Early Detection
For nearly half of all women, standard mammograms don't tell the full story. For women with dense breast tissue, a standard mammogram can sometimes make it harder to spot small or early changes. At Shero Imaging, we believe every woman deserves the most accurate answers — and peace of mind — right from the start.
One way we deliver on that promise is through contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), an advanced technology showing outstanding results as a more accessible alternative to breast MRI.
What Is Contrast-Enhanced Mammography?
CEM uses a gentle, safe contrast agent that highlights areas of increased blood flow — a place where cancer cells often grow new vessels.
The experience feels very similar to a traditional mammogram, but the images reveal far more detail, giving doctors a clearer view of what’s happening inside the breast.
What Are Dense Breasts?
“Breast density” describes how much fibrous and glandular tissue — versus fatty tissue — is in the breast. On a mammogram, dense tissue appears white, the same color that potential cancers can appear, making it harder to see small tumors.
How common is it? Nearly half of all women have dense breasts.
Is it abnormal? No. Dense breast tissue is perfectly normal and can occur at any age, though it’s more common in younger women and those with lower body fat.
Does it increase cancer risk? Women with dense breasts have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer and, more importantly, dense tissue can also make it harder to detect early cancers, underscoring the need for accurate screening..
Knowing your breast density helps you and your healthcare team choose the most effective imaging plan — like adding contrast-enhanced mammography for clearer results.
Why CEM Matters for Dense Breasts
Nearly half of all women have dense breast tissue. While common and normal, dense tissue can make it harder for standard mammography to detect early cancers.
CEM can help by offering:
Sharper detection of small lesions that may hide in dense tissue
A comfortable alternative to MRI for for those with claustrophobia or implanted devices.
Quicker scheduling and wider availability than MRI
Personalized care hrough integration with other advanced tools like 3D mammography, ultrasound, and AI-supported imaging.
What the Latest Research Shows
A major clinical trial published in Radiology followed more than 600 women with dense breast tissue who received both digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) and CEM. Key findings included:
CEM found cancers that 3D mammography missed, including invasive cancers less than 1 cm.
Effectiveness rivaled MRI in many cases, proving it to be a strong supplemental screening option.
While CEM slightly increased false positives, the overall cancer detection rate improved significantly.
Bottom line: CEM helps find cancers earlier — when they are most treatable.
The Shero Difference
At Shero Imaging, high-tech meets high-touch. Our mission is to combine cutting-edge screening with care that feels calm and personal.
Accessible alternatives – For women who can’t undergo MRI, CEM offers advanced screening without the barriers.
Part of a full spectrum of care – We also provide 3D mammography, ultrasound, AI-assisted imaging, and same-day biopsies.
Compassion first – Our spa-like setting, unrushed appointments, and same-day results mean less waiting and more peace of mind.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Dense breast tissue should not be a barrier to clear answers. With technologies like contrast-enhanced mammography, we can detect cancers earlier and support women with confidence and compassion.
Take control of your breast health and Book Your Appointment Today to learn if contrast-enhanced mammography is right for you.
Reference: For more details on the study discussed, see the article published in Health Imaging: Contrast-enhanced mammography significantly improves early cancer detection