If you’ve ever had a mammogram and left with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. Traditional mammograms and ultrasounds, while essential, sometimes fall short – especially for women with dense breast tissue or ambiguous findings.
That’s where a new technology called contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) steps in, and it’s now available at Bon Secours St. Francis’ Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health in our Greenville market.
Our new CEM offering makes Bon Secours the first facility in Greenville County and one of only three in South Carolina to offer this advanced imaging option. But what is CEM and why does it matter?
What is contrast-enhanced mammography?
CEM is a cutting-edge breast imaging technique that combines traditional mammography with a contrast agent – the same type used in CT scans. This agent highlights areas of increased blood flow, which can be a sign of cancerous activity. The result is a set of high-resolution images that can reveal tumors that might otherwise go unnoticed.
CEM is especially promising for women with dense breast tissue, those undergoing surgical planning or patients who can’t tolerate MRI due to implants or claustrophobia.
Why does this matter?
“We’re committed to providing our patients access to the latest tools in cancer detection and care,” says Jennifer Cranny, MD, a radiologist at Bon Secours St. Francis. “This technology brings us closer to our mission of catching cancer earlier, when it’s most treatable, while also improving the comfort and convenience of the experience.”
Studies have shown that CEM can match the sensitivity of MRI in detecting breast cancer, but with fewer false positives and a more comfortable experience for patients.
Who can benefit from CEM?
CEM is particularly useful for:
- Women with dense breast tissue
- Patients with suspicious lesions or inconclusive results
- Those needing pre-surgical planning
- Individuals who can’t undergo MRI
It’s also a valuable tool for monitoring treatment response and evaluating the extent of disease in newly diagnosed cases.
What to expect
The procedure uses the same equipment used for 3D mammograms, with the addition of an intravenous contrast agent. It’s quick, effective and designed to keep you comfortable.
How we can help
With the introduction of CEM, Bon Secours is not just adding a new service – we’re expanding access to life-saving technology for thousands of women in the Upstate.
“The technology enhances what we can see and, more importantly, what we can do. It’s one more way we’re putting advanced, patient-centered care at the forefront,” Dr. Cranny says.
If you’re due for a mammogram or have questions about your breast health, ask your provider whether CEM might be right for you. To make an appointment for a mammogram, call the Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health at 864-675-4101.
Learn about the cancer care and oncology services we offer at Bon Secours.
