Breast MRI

Breast cancer is the most common cancer of American women and the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Extensive breast screening programs are currently effective worldwide. Mammography is the only imaging modality with proven effectiveness in the early detection of clinically occult breast cancer and remains the primary imaging modality for breast cancer screening.

Mammography, however, suffers with limitations in its ability to detect cancer with a reported sensitivity estimated at 70-80%. This limitation is often due to the obscuration of the tumor by superimposed tissue. Limitations in sensitivity have encouraged the creation of alternative imaging modalities to supplement mammography. Breast MRI is one of these imaging tools.

Benefits of Breast MRI

• Can image breast implants and ruptures
• Highly sensitive to small abnormalities
• Used effectively in dense breasts
• Can evaluate inverted nipples for evidence of cancer
• Can help determine what type of surgery is indicated (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
• May detect breast cancer recurrences and residual tumors after lumpectomy
• Can locate primary tumor in women whose cancer has spread to axillary (armpit) lymph nodes
• Can spot or characterize small abnormalities missed by mammography
• May be useful in screening women at high risk for breast cancer, according to recent studies