Breast cancer detection MRI
Breast cancer is condition in which cells begin to grow uncontrolled in the breast lobules or ducts, which then become invasive and intrude into the remainder of the breast tissue. There have been great advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, which has improved the five and ten year survival rates of women. Some of the early detection in breast cancer is coming from new research in breast cancer detection MRI.
The success of the treatment of breast cancer depends greatly on early detection, which routinely uses mammograms and ultrasound. High quality mammography is the most effective means of detection that is currently available for screening for breast cancer. Another means of detection has been the ultrasound. Ultrasound is an imaging technique using sound waves that canít be heard by humans. These waves are bounced off of tissues and produce a picture. Ultrasound isnít used for routine screening because it doesnít consistently detect certain kinds of early cancers but it is used in conjunction with mammography and MRI.
Another device for early breast cancer detection MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). During an MRI a large magnet linked to a computer creates detailed pictures of areas inside the body without the use of radiation. During the MRI there are hundreds of images that are taken from side to side and top to bottom. These images are then read on a computer and interpreted by a radiologist.
During the breast cancer detection MRI the patient lies on her stomach on the scanning table. The breast tissue hangs into a depression or hollow in the table. This hollow contains the material that detects the magnetic signal from the machine. The table moves into a tube-like machine that contains the magnet. The machine can make quite a bit of noise.
After some initial pictures are taken during the breast cancer detection MRI the doctor might order a contrast material to be injected into a vein. The contrast agent isnít radioactive but does increase the visibility of any tumors that are present. The entire process can take up to one hour during which the patient is usually asked to lie still.
At this time breast cancer detection MRI isnít used for routine breast cancer screenings but are being used in clinical trials. These trials are trying to determine the value of screening using an MRI in certain women with high risk factors for breast cancer.
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (351:5 427-437) researchers found that the MRI can find breast cancers that mammograms miss in high-risk women. The breast cancer detection MRI cannot always distinguish between an invasive cancer and a benign tumor and like the ultrasound cannot always detect certain microcalcifications. This research lends support to the belief that using both methods of detection in women with high risk factors is better than using either one alone.
MRIs are also currently used in young women with dense breast tissue or in viewing breast abnormalities that can be felt but are not visible using an ultrasound or mammography.
An annual screening using mammography is recommended for women over 40 who are at average risk of getting breast cancer. But for other women who have higher risk factors such as previous breast cancer, family history, or a genetic mutation the use of breast cancer detection MRI may improve early detection and treatment.
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