MRI scans have proved
to be a valuable pre-op tool for surgeons treating breast cancer patients.
A new study by scientists working at Yale University School of Medicine in
New Haven found that the diagnostic imaging technique was equally effective at
identifying additional tumours and high risk lesions in both breasts
categorised as dense and non-dense.
Reena Vashi, one of the authors of the study, said that there are no existing
guidelines for surgeons when determining whether a MRI test should be
performed.
"However, anecdotally, we know that preoperative MRI tests tend to be
ordered more frequently in younger patients and/or patients with dense breast
tissue," she added.
Doctors studied 127 cases and observed that 3T MRI exams detected additional
malignancies in 26 per cent of women who had breasts that were not considered
dense and in 25 per cent of patients with dense breasts.
Dr Vashi believes these results suggest that MRI tests should not be dependent
on breast density.
© Adfero Ltd
Cancer treatment news : 11 May 2012
