Course Description
Breast cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women and can sometimes be detected on self-examinations before any symptoms appear. Mammography continues to be the gold standard in breast cancer screening as it can visualize lesions that appear as macrocalcifications (with or without a mass) that are nonpalpable on self-examinations. Breast calcifications are a common finding on screening mammograms and can be an early sign of breast cancer. To determine if breast calcifications are benign or malignant, a precise, targeted biopsy of the tissue, guided by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), may be performed to provide further critical diagnostic information. This histopathological analysis, combined with the mammographic images, can prevent patients from undergoing unnecessary procedures. This journal-article-based, continuing education course will review the decision-making process regarding biopsies after mammographic analysis using the BI-RADS system. Different breast biopsy procedures will be reviewed along with histopathological classifications, emphasizing the role of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy under stereotactic guidance. Ten complex cases, with images and histopathological analysis, will be presented and reviewed, which will highlight the critical diagnostic steps involved in clinical decision-making.
Learning Objectives
- ASRT approval for ARRT Category A credit
- All Courses eligible of international radiographers' CPD requirements
- ASRT and MDCB are approved continuing education providers of ARRT and all courses are accepted by ARRT
- California CE requirements met for all radiography courses
- NMTCB accepted (All Courses)
- All Courses available for RRAs
- ARMRIT accepted (All MRI Courses)
- MDCB approval by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification (Selected Courses)
- Florida approval for all courses 1 credit or more
- ARDMS accepted (All Courses)
- CAMRT and Sonography Canada recognize the ASRT approval (All Courses)
Course Curriculum
Your Instructors
Thaddeus Lewis
- BSc, RT(R)(MR) *
- * Medical Writer, Veillette Communications; Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- thaddeus.lewis@gmail.com
About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive musculoskeletal disease that affects over 240 million people worldwide with the hip and knee joints most often involved due to their weight-bearing roles. This disease is characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and bone remodeling which can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Digital radiography (DR) is the primary imaging modality for patients with OA due to its accessibility, low cost, and ability to reveal key features such as joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophyte formation. Digital radiography is also used to stage OA, monitor disease progression, and guide treatment planning. Radiologic technologists (RTs) play a central role in OA assessment by performing standard hip and knee imaging studies while accommodating a patient's OA-related pain and mobility challenges when needed. This course begins with an overview of hip and knee joint anatomy and the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of OA. Learners will explore the strengths and limitations of DR, patient care strategies, recommended radiographic projections, and image evaluation criteria. This course concludes with a review of radiographic signs of OA, common grading systems, and DR's role in managing patients with OA. Upon completion of this course, RTs will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely and accurately produce high-quality hip and knee images for OA assessment.