Molecular Breast Imaging in Screening Breast Cancer

Molecular breast imaging will be performed at 5-10 minutes after intravenous injection of 15-20 millicurie (mCi) Tc-99m sestamibi. Both craniocaudal (CC) view and mediolateral oblique (MLO) images of the breast are taken.

During the procedure, the breast is compressed using a dedicated mammography unit. Parallel-plate compression evens out the thickness of breast tissue to increase image quality by reducing the thickness of tissue that x-rays must penetrate, decreasing the amount of scattered radiation, reducing the required radiation dose, and holding the breast still (preventing motion blur). Both craniocaudal (CC) view and mediolateral oblique (MLO) images of the breast are taken.

Ultrasound investigation of breast is performed by members of breast cancer team. If abnormality is found by the procedure, biopsy will not be performed directly.