The Breast
Volume 19, Issue 2 , Pages 115-119, April 2010

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in managing selected women with newly diagnosed breast cancer

  • S. Scomersi

      Affiliations

    • Surgical Department of University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 449, 34100 Trieste, Italy
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Clinica Chirurgica, Ospedale di Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 449, 34100 Trieste, Italy. Tel.: +39 040 399 4725; fax: +39 040 399 4373.
    • ,
  • M. Urbani

      Affiliations

    • Surgical Department of University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 449, 34100 Trieste, Italy
    • ,
  • M. Tonutti

      Affiliations

    • Department of Radiology, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 449, 34100 Trieste, Italy
    • ,
  • F. Zanconati

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pathology, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 449, 34100 Trieste, Italy
    • ,
  • M. Bortul

      Affiliations

    • Surgical Department of University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 449, 34100 Trieste, Italy

Received 5 September 2009; received in revised form 4 December 2009; accepted 7 December 2009. published online 27 January 2010.

Abstract 

The purpose of this study is evaluation of therapeutic impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in breast cancer patients that cannot be imaged adequately with traditional radiology: dense breasts, microcalcifications suspicious for carcinoma in situ or discordance between mammography and ultrasound. A review was performed of 493 patients’ records: determination of breast MRI effect on clinical management was made for the selected 70 cases by analysing pre-MRI and post-MRI therapeutic plans. Analysis of final pathology was useful to determine if the change in surgical plan prompted by MRI was appropriate. Breast MRI added clinical information in 52.9% of patients that resulted in 44.3% of management changes that were judged as appropriate in 83.9% of cases. Breast MRI provides additional useful information, but causes more extensive surgery (40%) with no proven prognostic benefit. MRI should be considered optional in the clinical staging of breast cancer and performed in selected cases.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging, Breast conserving surgery, Staging, Clinical management, Mammography

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0960-9776(09)00177-5

doi:10.1016/j.breast.2009.12.005

The Breast
Volume 19, Issue 2 , Pages 115-119, April 2010

Article Tools