Breast imaging departments in the Baltic region may be lacking when it comes to transgender awareness in patient populations, according to a 27 September poster presentation at the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) annual scientific meeting in Aberdeen, U.K.
A total of 30 breast radiologists -- more than half from hospitals in Latvia, the rest from Lithuania and Estonia -- were surveyed in April 2025 to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and institutional practices related to the care of transgender patients. The authors found that training on transgender care was unavailable in most institutions.
The poster highlighted the term transgender and gender diverse (TGD) as referring to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth, noting that TGD is growing in both visibility and size.
The findings aimed to form recommendations for improving inclusivity and sensitivity in radiology services for gender-diverse populations, according to lead author Dr. Anete Purvlīce of Riga East University Hospital and the Oncology Center of Latvia and colleagues. Many institutions lacked inclusive practices, training, and appropriate intake forms, they found.
Use of ultrasound
Another poster presented at the EUSOBI meeting addressed the use of breast ultrasound in transgender women during the initial years of hormonal treatment.
"During the early years of treatment, benign breast findings such as simple cysts and prominent lactiferous ducts may be identified," noted Dr. Maria Agustina Salias, of Hospital municipal Dr. H Cura de Olavarria in Argentina. "It is increasingly important for healthcare professionals to be informed about breast imaging considerations in this population and to provide comprehensive, inclusive care."
The Baltic poster is available through the EUSOBI meeting portal, here.
To read the Argentinian poster, click here.
