AI-powered mammograms, 3D ultrasounds and same-day biopsies: What to expect at UChicago Medicine’s new cancer pavilion

Early detection of breast cancer is crucial: If the cancer is detected when it is still localized in the breast, the five-year survival rate is 99%.

But many women who have breast cancer have no symptoms. That’s why mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies remain important screening tools.

Although University of Chicago Medicine physicians have long used the latest technologies — including artificial intelligence — to spot breast cancer, a new paradigm is on the horizon.

The construction of a new 575,000-square-foot cancer care and research facility, opening in spring 2027, will provide a home for patients to experience even more state-of-the-art screening and diagnosis technologies, as well as highly collaborative treatment.

“As we embark on this new cancer center journey, our goal has been to do something visionary,” said Kirti Kulkarni, MD, a UChicago Medicine radiologist who specializes in breast imaging.

“We want patients to come in, be screened, have a same-day diagnostic exam and a same-day biopsy, if necessary. And that is what we hope we can achieve in the new cancer center.”

Other offerings — including whole-breast ultrasounds, same-day biopsies for highly suspicious lesions and online scheduling — are now or will soon be available at other UChicago Medicine locations, including Crown Point, which houses one of only two comprehensive cancer centers in Indiana.

AI-assisted breast cancer diagnosis

An innovation available only at the pavilion is Hologic Genius AI Detection — mammography software that uses machine learning and AI algorithms to help radiologists detect small breast cancer earlier.

Designed to locate lesions within each mammography image, the software is aimed at reducing false positives.

“This is a ‘buddy’ interpreter, helping us find suspicious lesions,” Kulkarni said. “We have been using computer-assisted software for years, but this software is better, faster and more precise.”

Automated whole-breast ultrasounds

Because it can be difficult to find cancerous lesions in women who have denser breasts, radiologists often use additional screening tools, including ultrasounds and MRIs.

Regular handheld ultrasounds, generally performed by a technician, provide only 2D images.

UChicago Medicine offers automated whole-breast ultrasounds, which provide 3D images that are automatically processed and stitched together, giving radiologists a better view of dense breasts.

“It can scan the entire breast without radiation or contrast injections” Kulkarni said. “Up to 40 percent of our patients have dense breasts, so this is going to be very, very important for our patients.”

These ultrasounds are currently available at UChicago Medicine locations in Hyde Park and Crown Point; they will be installed in River East and Orland Park in November 2025. An additional whole-breast machine will also be available at the pavilion.

Same-day biopsy for breast cancer

This fall, UChicago Medicine launched BIOPSY NOW, a new initiative that provides same-day breast and lymph node biopsies for patients whose mammograms and ultrasounds suggest a very high likelihood of cancer.

The goal: To prevent delays in diagnosis, ensuring that high-risk individuals get answers quickly.

“Many of our patients on the South Side of Chicago have more aggressive cancers, so it’s important that we take care of the patient sooner and prepare them for further treatment,” Kulkarni said. “Right now, care can be delayed if patients don’t follow up after an appointment, or if they can’t get in to have a biopsy for weeks.

“With this new program, we can perform additional tests on the same day; that is unique to the Chicagoland area.”

Online mammogram scheduling, reporting

Beyond adding new technologies, UChicago Medicine has also worked to improve the breast screening experience by providing easier-to-read mammogram reports. This action follows a rule issued in September 2024 by the Food and Drug Administration requiring mammography facilities to notify women about their breast density.

The reports, Kulkarni said, “include information in lay terms, so patients can understand their breast density and what adjunct screening tests are recommended.”

Online scheduling for mammography has been rolled out at several UChicago Medicine and Ingalls Memorial locations, and it will soon include all other sites. All mammogram sites offer Saturday hours.

“Even patients who don’t have an order will be able to schedule a mammogram appointment,” Kulkarni said. “We are consistently trying to increase access for patients.”

In addition to Kulkarni, UChicago Medicine’s team of breast radiologists includes Hiroyuki Abe, MD, PhD; Derek Franco, MD; Gregory Henkle, MD*; Aiyah Jandali, MD; Emily Sellers, MD; and Angela Whittington, MD.

*Gregory Henkle, MD, is a UChicago Medicine Medical Group provider. UChicago Medicine Medical Group comprises UCM Medical Group, Inc. f/k/a UCM Care Network Medical Group, Inc., and UCM Medical Group Sub, LLC f/k/a Primary Healthcare Associates, S.C. UChicago Medicine Medical Group providers are not employees or agents of the University of Chicago Medical Center, the University of Chicago, UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, UChicago Medicine Crown Point, UChicago Medicine River East, or UChicago Medicine Orland Park.