Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a tool used to assess abnormal areas seen on a mammogram or felt after breast surgery or radiation therapy. It may also be used several other ways: after a breast cancer diagnosis to determine the extent of the tumor; to evaluate breast implants for leaks or ruptures; to view dense breast tissue in younger women who are at risk for breast cancer; and to detect worrisome abnormalities that can be felt, but are not visible with conventional mammography or ultrasound. The CAD system, used in conjunction with the Breast MRI technology, assists radiologists in image analysis and reporting for MRIs. In addition to a nationally recognized, fellowship-trained radiologist examining the MRI, the CAD software gives a "second read" on all patients.
During an MRI, a magnet linked to a computer creates pictures of areas inside the body. The patient lies on her stomach on a narrow table that slides into a tunnel-like enclosure in a powerful magnetic field. Without radiation, an MRI shows the structure of internal organs and soft tissue in a series of computer images that are interpreted by a radiologist.
Breast MRI is not used for routine breast cancer screening, but studies are under way to determine if it would be a valuable tool for screening certain individuals such as high-risk young women and those who have the BrCa gene. There are some limitations to this technology. When used optimally, however, breast MRI can show subtle cancers possibly undetectable by mammography. Additionally, doctors will use breast MRI in patients with proven cancer to detect additional lesions in the same breast, find unsuspected tumors in the opposite breast, track response to chemotherapy, and look for recurrences on annual follow-up when needed.
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