Q. My patient is in a high risk category. She has at least one of the following: Calculated >20% lifetime risk (as based upon a risk model)
Calculated >5% 10 year risk of breast cancer (as based upon a risk model)
BRCA mutation; History of mantle radiation at 30 years of age or younger
A. Recommend annual screening mammogram and annual screening breast MRI. Screening MRI is typically covered by insurance for high risk women. If a woman is being screening annually with a mammogram and MRI, no additional tests (such as ultrasound) are needed.
Q. My patient meets criteria of a high risk patient. I recommended continuing annual screening mammography and adding annual screening MRI. However, my patient is unable to have an MRI (claustrophobia, pacemaker, contrast allergy, or other reasons).
A. Recommend an annual screening mammogram and annual screening ultrasound, as the second best supplementary screening test for high risk women. Studies have shown some utility for ultrasound in high risk women if screening MRI is not performed.
For more information about the breast imaging program
at Atlantic Medical Imaging, please visit: women.myamihealth.com
