Advancements in molecular breast imaging.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but with early detection, it is a treatable disease. Mammography has long been the medical imaging standard for breast cancer screening, with other breast imaging modalities used as adjunct procedures to support diagnostic interpretation. Molecular breast imaging (MBI) was introduced in the past decade as a promising adjunct to mammography. Using a radiopharmaceutical and a dedicated imaging device, MBI technology helps physicians examine metabolic activity within the breast. This article provides a review of breast anatomy and composition, explores genetic factors related to breast cancer, and examines practice guidelines related to MBI.