Risks

Molecular breast imaging is a safe procedure. Like every test, it carries certain risks and limitations, such as:

• Exposure to a low level of radiation. During molecular breast imaging, you're exposed to a minimal dose of radiation that's considered safe for routine screening. The benefits of the test typically outweigh the risks of radiation exposure.

  When molecular breast imaging is used for breast cancer screening, it's done along with a mammogram, so you'll be exposed to more radiation than you would receive if you had a mammogram alone.

• Allergic reaction to tracer. Though extremely rare, allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer can occur. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• The test may find something that, after additional tests, turns out to not be cancer. Molecular breast imaging may identify a suspicious area that, after additional tests, turns out to be noncancerous. This is known as a false-positive result and it can cause unneeded anxiety if you undergo additional imaging and testing, such as a biopsy, to assess the suspicious area. This is a risk that can happen with any screening test.
• The test can't detect all cancers. As with all tests, molecular breast imaging may miss some cancers. Some cancers may be too small to be detected by the gamma camera. Others may be located in areas that are difficult to view using molecular breast imaging, such as those near the chest wall.
• Another imaging procedure might be needed. If a suspicious area is found with molecular breast imaging, this technology can't be used to guide a needle to remove a sample of tissue for testing (breast biopsy). You'll need additional testing with a different imaging test to guide the biopsy, such as ultrasound, mammogram or breast MRI.