Breast MRI for Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in American women and the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in women.
In 2007 alone it is estimated that almost 200,000 women will be diagnosed with this disease. Of those, one in 10 women with cancer in one breast will develop it in the opposite breast. Without adequate technology and experience, cancer in the other breast can often take years to diagnose, increasing patient anxiety, lowering chances of successful treatment and leading to additional procedures.
Breakthrough Research
A recent study by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network has shed new light on this subject. It found that the addition of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for high-risk women with newly diagnosed breast cancer led to the detection of more than 90 percent of cancers in the opposite breast missed by mammography. High-risk women include those with a family history of breast cancer or a previous cancer diagnosis.
Penn was the only radiology department in the region to participate in this breakthrough study. “I think MRI is a very good option,” said Penn's Mitch Schnall, MD, PhD, and senior author of the study. “This clearly demonstrates the ability of MRI to detect cancer not seen by mammography.”
Penn is changing the way breast cancer is detected, diagnosing it earlier and more efficiently. Earlier detection of breast cancer in the second breast can have a significant impact on doctor and patient decisions by allowing the consideration of customized treatment plans, the potential for fewer rounds of chemotherapy and a smaller number of surgeries.
According to Dr. Schnall: “This study clearly shows that one in 30 women who think they have cancer in one breast after traditional evaluation actually have bilateral breast cancer that can be detected by MRI. Knowing this at the time of diagnosis of the first breast cancer has a significant impact on the approach to treatment.”
Cancer Care at Penn
Penn leads the way in early detection and treatment of breast cancer by proactively advocating the use of MRI screening in addition to mammography and clinical breast exams as part of standard screening for women at high risk. Penn has already begun to implement this procedure as part of its comprehensive care for women.
The Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Abramson Cancer Center brings together nationally recognized specialists from many disciplines to create a collaborative team working to provide patients with the individual care they need.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 1-800-789-PENN or request an appointment online.
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