Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the planning of breast cancer treatment strategies: comparison with conventional imaging techniques

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the planning of breast cancer treatment strategies.Materials and MethodsThe study included 160 women diagnosed with breast cancer, who underwent breast MRI for preoperative staging. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), we compared the size of the primary tumor, as determined by MRI, by conventional imaging (mammography and ultrasound), and in the pathological examination (gold standard). The identification of lesions not identified in previous examinations was also evaluated, as was its influence on treatment planning.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 52.2 years (range, 30–81 years), and the most common histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma (in 60.6% of the patients). In terms of the tumor size determined, MRI correlated better with the pathological examination than did mammography (r = 0.872 vs. 0.710) or ultrasound (r = 0.836 vs. 0.704). MRI identified additional lesions in 53 patients (33.1%), including malignant lesions in 20 (12.5%), which led to change in the therapeutic planning in 23 patients (14.4%).ConclusionBreast MRI proved to be more accurate than conventional imaging in determining the dimensions of the main tumor and was able to identify lesions not identified by other methods evaluated, which altered the therapeutic planning in a significant proportion of cases.

Análise do tamanho tumoral de câncer primário de mama pela ultrassonografia, mamografia e ressonância magnética em relação ao tamanho na análise histopatológica

“…A medida do tumor na RM teve melhor correlação com o tamanho no exame anatomopatológico, quando comparada com a MMG e com a US. Além disso, a RM identificou lesões adicionais que não foram identificadas pelos outros exames, com alteração do planejamento terapêutico em 14,4% dos casos (FRANÇA et al, 2017).…”

Comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography as the best examination to measure malignant breast tumors in surgical planning

“…Although its results indicate that both the USG and the MRI have high correlation with the histopathological report, the MRI had a slightly better performance. It should be noted that, in this publication, the sample was not divided according to the hormonal status of the patients, in order to show possible particularities in each group 16 .…”

Breast cancer screening: updated recommendations of the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Brazilian Breast Disease Society, and Brazilian Federation of Gynecological and Obstetrical Associations

“…In women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, the use of supplementary screening with ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging has been associated with the detection of a significant number of additional tumors, magnetic resonance imaging proving superior to ultrasound ( 24 - 26 ) . A systematic review published in 2007 showed that the sensitivity of mammography and ultrasound was 36% and 40%, respectively, when the methods were used separately and 55% when they were used in combination.…”