Section of Breast Imaging

The Breast Imaging Section is a sub-specialty section of the Department of Diagnostic Radiology that has evolved over the last 2 decades and currently comprises 13 dedicated breast radiologists and 2 part-time breast faculty who participate in the multimodality performance and interpretation of breast radiology that includes digital and analog mammography interpretation, mammography intervention (needle localization, stereotactic biopsy), breast ultrasound and intervention (needle biopsy and needle localization), breast MRI interpretation and intervention (needle biopsy and needle localization). Faculty are assisted by 21 dedicated mammography and breast ultrasound technologists, 3 managers, 2 supervisors, 3 nurses, 4 Radiology assistants, and 7 dedicated breast imaging schedulers.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Julie and Ben Rogers Breast Diagnostic Clinic utilizes state-of-the art imaging equipment that includes 11 digital mammography machines for breast cancer screening and diagnostic work-up, 1 prone stereotactic biopsy unit for digital mammography intervention, 8 high-resolution sonography units with power Doppler capabilities, and 4 breast magnetic resonance imaging units (3 are 1.5, and 2 are 3.0T units), 3 of which have MRI breast biopsy capabilities. Nearly 54,000 procedures were performed in the Section of Breast Imaging in 2009 alone, with more projected for 2010. Adjunct nuclear medicine (lymphoscintigraphy) and breast PET/CT (positron emission mammography, PEM) imaging are available one level up in the Nuclear Medicine Department.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Julie and Ben Rogers Breast Diagnostic Clinic is designated a Center of Excellence in Breast Imaging by the American College of Radiology (ACR), an accrediting body of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. To receive the “Center of Excellence” designation, a center must be fully accredited by the ACR in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, and breast ultrasonography.

The Breast Imaging Section is an integral part of the Comprehensive Breast Care Program provided by the Nellie B. Connally Breast Center in MD Anderson Cancer Center. More than 2,000 new breast cancer patients visit the Breast Center each year. A dedicated multidisciplinary team of cancer prevention physicians, breast surgeons, breast medical oncologists, breast radiation therapists, and plastic surgeons contributes to the clinic’s ongoing success in fighting cancer.

Our mission in the Breast Imaging Clinic is to assist each woman through cancer or imaging workup efficiently, seamlessly, and with minimal discomfort and anxiety. We strive to provide a “one-stop-shop” possibility for women who have same-day breast imaging and clinic appointments, by providing preliminary imaging and pathology results at the time of clinic appointment.

The Breast Imaging Section actively participates in the University of Texas at Houston Diagnostic Radiology training program for residents and medical students. The Breast Imaging fellowship is a much sought after program that attracts more than 25 applicants each year. It is a 12-month program that provides experience in multimodality breast imaging and intervention, and ample opportunity for multidisciplinary interactions with a dedicated team of breast physicians. The Breast Imaging Section partners actively with the Global Academic Program of MD Anderson, and has been host to more than 10 international observers over the past 2 years