The next generation of breast imaging.
As a regional leader in comprehensive breast cancer care and California's highest-volume breast imaging center, Hoag now has the Koning Vera Breast CT — the first technology of its kind offered by a breast center in Orange County.
THE TECHNOLOGY
What is Breast CT?
Koning Vera Breast CT is an advanced option for additional diagnostic breast imaging. It produces high-resolution, true 3D images and a full 360-degree view of the breast, helping radiologists visualize breast tissue and abnormalities from multiple angles.
When performed with IV contrast, Breast CT helps radiologists see how breast tissue responds to the contrast, providing additional detail to help detect and evaluate breast cancer
The scan does not require breast compression, and imaging takes approximately seven seconds per breast.
Benefits at a glance
What makes Breast CT different from the imaging you may already know.
True 3D imaging
High-resolution images provide a full 360-degree view and may give physicians additional diagnostic information.
No compression
Your breast isn't squeezed or compressed during imaging.
About 7 seconds
Imaging takes approximately seven seconds per breast.
Additional information
May provide additional information when dense breast tissue or implants make mammography results more difficult to interpret.
Comparable exposure
Radiation exposure is comparable to diagnostic mammography.*
Is Breast CT right for you?
Breast CT may be an additional diagnostic imaging option for women whose physician determines that more information is needed, or for whom another advanced imaging option may be appropriate.
When mammograms may not provide the full picture
Breast CT may provide additional imaging information when dense breast tissue, implants, prior procedures or other factors make conventional mammography more difficult to interpret.
When more information is needed
Following a mammogram, a physician may recommend Breast CT to take a closer look at an area of concern and help guide personalized next steps.
When MRI is not an option
Breast CT may offer another diagnostic imaging option for patients who cannot undergo MRI or have difficulty tolerating it because of claustrophobia, implanted devices or concerns related to MRI contrast.
When comfort is a priority
For women concerned about compression, pain or their implants, Breast CT provides a no-compression experience with imaging completed in approximately seven seconds per breast.
A physician order is required
Breast CT is a diagnostic exam. Your physician or another qualified health care provider must order it, and the order should include the reason for the exam.
It complements mammography
Breast CT adds an option within a comprehensive imaging program. It does not replace routine screening mammography.
Eligibility is individual
Whether Breast CT is appropriate depends on your clinical circumstances. Your physician and a Hoag breast radiologist will determine the right imaging option for you.
Understanding your breast imaging options
Breast CT adds an option within a comprehensive imaging program; it does not replace routine mammography.
Feature | Mammogram | Breast CT | Breast MRI |
|---|---|---|---|
Three-dimensional images | Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) | True 3D, 360-degree | Yes |
Breast compression | Yes | No | No |
Approximate imaging time | Minutes | ~7 seconds per breast | Longer |
Enclosed scanner | No | No | Yes |
Radiation | Yes | Yes | No |
Role | Routine screening + diagnostic | Supplemental / diagnostic imaging | Supplemental / diagnostic imaging |
Learn more about breast imaging at Hoag, including 3D mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI.
The exam
step 1
Get comfortable
You'll lie face down on a specially designed table, allowing the breast to rest naturally through an opening.
step 2
No compression
Unlike a mammogram, the breast isn't squeezed between plates.
step 3
Imaging in seconds
The scanner rotates around the breast to create detailed 3D images in approximately seven seconds per breast.
Advanced technology. Comprehensive breast expertise.
Hoag brings advanced imaging, specialized expertise and personalized treatment together in one integrated program: AI-enhanced 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and the newest Breast CT.
Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence™
Hoag's breast center is the first and only in Orange County to hold this designation.
ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence
Recognized by the American College of Radiology across Hoag's breast imaging locations.
Dedicated breast radiologists
A multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists, including surgeons with advanced oncoplastic expertise.
Ordering a Breast CT
For referring physicians
Breast CT is a diagnostic exam available by physician order at the Sue J. Gross Comprehensive Breast Center in Newport Beach.
Include the reason for the exam on the order so the breast radiologist can determine the appropriate imaging approach.
Unilateral or bilateral imaging, with or without contrast.
Questions about appropriateness for a specific patient: call (949) 764-2767.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
No. Breast CT is a diagnostic imaging option that complements mammography; it does not replace routine screening mammograms. Breast CT may be recommended when your physician needs additional information following a mammogram or to evaluate a breast concern.
Breast CT may be considered for patients who need additional diagnostic evaluation after a mammogram or have a breast concern requiring further imaging. This may include patients with:
Dense breast tissue or breast implants
An inconclusive mammogram
A breast lump, discharge, swelling or other symptom
A personal or family history of breast cancer
Difficulty tolerating mammography because of breast pain or compression
Difficulty undergoing MRI because of claustrophobia, an incompatible implanted device or concerns related to MRI contrast
Your physician and breast radiologist will determine whether Breast CT is appropriate for you.
Yes. Breast CT is a diagnostic exam and requires an order from a physician or other qualified health care provider. The order should include the reason for the exam so that the breast radiologist can determine the appropriate imaging approach.
No. During the exam, the breast is positioned naturally through an opening in the imaging table. The scanner rotates around the breast to capture detailed, 3D images without flattening or compressing the breast.
The Breast CT scan takes approximately seven seconds per breast. Your full appointment will take longer to allow time for check-in, positioning, image review and contrast administration if needed.
Yes. Breast CT uses low-dose X-rays to create 3D images of the breast. The radiation dose is in the same range as diagnostic mammography and may vary based on breast size, density and the type of exam performed.
Yes. Breast CT captures true 3D images from multiple angles, reducing the effect of overlapping tissue that can make some areas more difficult to evaluate on a mammogram. It may provide additional diagnostic information for patients with dense breast tissue or implants. Because no compression is used, implants do not need to be displaced or compressed during the scan.
Breast CT uses low-dose X-rays to create true 3D images in approximately seven seconds per breast. Breast MRI uses a magnetic field, does not use ionizing radiation and generally requires patients to remain inside an enclosed scanner for a longer period.
Breast CT can be performed with or without contrast and may be an option for some patients who cannot undergo or have difficulty tolerating MRI. When contrast is needed, Breast CT uses an iodinated contrast agent, while breast MRI typically uses a gadolinium-based agent. The two exams are not interchangeable, and your physician will recommend the best option for your needs.
Contrast is not required for every Breast CT exam. A breast radiologist may recommend contrast when additional information is needed to evaluate an area of concern. The iodinated contrast material is administered through an IV and can help the radiologist evaluate blood flow and enhancement within breast tissue.
Before receiving contrast, tell your care team if you have kidney disease, are or may be pregnant, or have previously had a reaction to iodinated contrast.
You will be asked to remove clothing and jewelry from the waist up and lie face down on a padded imaging table. One breast at a time will be positioned naturally through an opening in the table. The scanner will rotate beneath you and capture a complete three-dimensional image in approximately seven seconds, without breast compression.
You will need to remain still during the scan. If contrast is needed, an IV will be placed before imaging begins.
Breast CT is a new technology, and insurance coverage is not yet established with all local plans. Hoag is working to establish insurance coverage for Breast CT. Patients will have an out of pocket cost up front and Hoag will attempt to bill insurance and provide a refund to the patient if insurance issues a payment. For current pricing and additional information, please call Hoag at 949-764-2767.
Breast CT is currently available at the Newport Beach breast center:
Sue J. Gross Comprehensive Breast Center – Newport Beach 1 Hoag Drive Newport Beach, CA 92663
Interested in Breast CT?
To learn more about eligibility, pricing or to join the Breast CT waitlist, get in touch with Hoag's breast imaging team.