Molecular breast imaging, or MBI, is an FDA approved test for women who need additional tests, beyond mammography. It requires a very small injection of a commonly used radiotracer that lights up tumors on the test, making them easy to find.
Gamma Medical, which makes the technology, advises this supplemental diagnostic test (not routine; for problems and problematic patients) for:
- Dense breast tissue (making mammograms difficult to interpret)
- Suspicious mammographic lesion, abnormality or architectural distortion observed in mammogram
- Symptomatic (nipple discharge or palpable mass) or high-risk patient* with negative mammogram and/or ultrasound
- Breast implants or free silicone
- Patient not able to tolerate an MRI (for example, ferromagnetic surgical implants, severe claustrophobia, or poor renal function)
*family history of breast cancer or confirmed positive gene test (BRCA1 or BRCA2); risk assessment greater than or equal to 20%
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