Contrast Enhanced Mammogram

What is a Contrast Enhanced Mammogram?

A contrast enhanced mammogram (CEM) uses a special contrast dye to highlight abnormal areas in breast tissue. The process is similar to a standard mammogram, with the addition of an injection of the contrast to create clearer, more detailed images.

This type of mammogram is especially helpful for detecting breast cancer in people with dense breast tissue or when other imaging results are unclear. It is available at Strong Memorial Hospital and our Red Creek breast imaging location in Henrietta.

Who May Benefit from a Contrast Enhanced Mammogram?

You may be recommended for a contrast enhanced mammogram if:

You have dense breast tissue that makes it hard to see abnormalities on a standard mammogram
A previous mammogram or ultrasound showed an area of concern
You need follow-up imaging after a breast cancer diagnosis
You’re unable to undergo a breast MRI but need additional breast imaging

The Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator, a nationally accepted standard based on science, helps to measure women’s breast cancer risk factors based on family history, and helps women to better understand their breast cancer risk factors. It allows health professionals to estimate a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer over the next five years and up to age 90.

*This tool can’t accurately estimate breast cancer risk for women:

Carrying a breast-cancer-producing mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2
With a previous history of invasive or in-situ breast cancer
- Lobular cancer in- situ (LCIS)
- Ductal cancer in-situ (DCIS)
In certain other subgroups

UR Medicine's Approach

We offer the latest breast imaging technologies, including a contrast-enhanced mammogram, to give our patients the most accurate information in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.

Our team of fellowship-trained breast radiologists works closely with your care team to interpret results and guide next steps quickly and compassionately.

What to Expect During Contrast Enhanced Mammogram

Here’s how the procedure works:

A small amount of iodine-based contrast dye is injected into your arm.
You’ll then have a standard mammogram using a low-dose X-ray.
The contrast dye highlights blood flow, helping to identify abnormal areas more clearly.

The entire exam typically takes about 10–15 minutes and is performed in the same setting as a regular mammogram.

CEM is safe and well-tolerated by most patients. It offers powerful diagnostic information, particularly when used alongside other imaging tools.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine is one of the few centers in the region to offer contrast enhanced mammograms, giving our patients access to the most advanced breast cancer detection tools available.

The UR Medicine Breast Imaging Center is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology's (ACR) Commission on Quality and Safety and the Commission on Breast Imaging for a three-year term. The ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation signifies that UR Medicine Breast Imaging provides these services to the Rochester and surrounding communities at the highest standards of the radiology profession.

Our expertise is backed by research. As part of an academic medical center, our providers are continuously working to advance the detection and assessment of breast disease. We invest in in cutting-edge technology.

We collaborate with breast specialists at UR Medicine's Wilmot Cancer Institute to ensure that all necessary treatments and support is available.