Breast
Cancer Breast cancer has reached epidemic
proportions, according to a report sponsored by the U.S. Public Health
Services Office on Women's Health (PHSOWH). One in eight women in the
United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
The
MRI Scan and Imaging Centers acknowledges that there is a need for a
diagnostic tool that can provide a high degree of sensitivity and
specificity. MRI is the most sensitive imaging modality for detection of
breast cancer. Unfortunately, it is not specific for breast cancer.
Improved
imaging techniques, based on faster and more powerful gradients and
computer systems, and a better understanding of the pathological and
morphological behavior of breast lesions as seen on MRI images, have led
to an increased interest in breast MRI. Approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in 1991 for use as a supplemental tool, in addition
to mammography to help diagnose breast cancer, breast MRI is an excellent
problem-solving technology. It is most often used to evaluate possible
breast masses first detected with physical exam, mammography or
ultrasound. MRI is also very useful for staging breast cancer, evaluating
the most appropriate treatment, and for patient follow up after breast
cancer treatment.
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(Click
on image to view larger size)
Multiple Breast Cysts
Early Perfusion Post
Late Perfusion Post
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| In addition to its role as a
diagnostic tool, MRI may be useful in screening younger women at high risk
for breast cancer. Most women under 40 years of age do not require any
breast imaging. However, some women under age 40 are at higher risk for
breast cancer as determined by a strong family history. MRI may be helpful
for these women, because MRI is effective in evaluating dense breast
tissue, and most young women have this characteristic. However,
mammography is currently the only FDA approved exam to be used to screen
for breast cancer in women with no symptoms of the disease.
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MR Imaging of Breast Implants
MRI Scan and
Imaging Centers introduced Breast Imaging seven years ago to the South
Florida region. This requires a high field (1.5 Tesla) magnet with
dedicated breast coils.
MR imaging is the single
best method to detect implant rupture in women with augmented breasts.
This technique is more accurate than mammography or ultrasound for the
identification of implant failure. In the clinical setting of symptomatic
patients with augmented breasts, MR imaging, although the most costly of
the available implant imaging tests, is the study of choice.
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Rupture of Left Breast
Rupture of Right Breast
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MRI
is an excellent tool for imaging the augmented breast, including both the
breast implant itself, and the surrounding tissue (abnormalities or signs
of breast cancer can sometimes be obscured by the implant on a mammogram).
The
major benefit of MRI and breast augmentation is its significant role in
the visualization of breast implant leakage and/or implant rupture.
Implants can obscure some of the breast tissue on conventional mammogram
images, making abnormalities or signs of cancer more difficult to see.
X-rays used in mammography cannot penetrate silicone or saline implants
well enough to image the overlying or underlying breast tissue. MRI does
not have this limitation.
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