Abstract

In patients with primary breast cancer, preoperative MRI identifies additional foci of tumor in the ipsilateral or contralateral breast that are not evident with standard imaging. Breast cancer patients who are otherwise deemed suitable candidates for breast-conserving surgery might, therefore, be urged to undergo mastectomy or even bilateral mastectomy following staging with preoperative breast MRI. The effect of preoperative breast MRI on clinical end points (rates of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence) and surgical end points (rates of reoperation) have been assessed in several large studies. These studies indicate that the routine use of preoperative breast MRI is not beneficial. The additional occult foci of tumor detected with preoperative breast MRI seem to either have no clinical significance, or can be adequately treated with radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy. This article reviews these studies and highlights the potential harms associated with the routine use of preoperative MRI in patients with primary breast cancer.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.