The influence of preoperative MRI in early breast cancer: gold standard.

Messineo, Daniela; Izzo, Luciano; Pisanelli, Massimo Codacci; Razionale, Francesco; Izzo, Sara; Izzo, Paolo

BACKGROUND Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of presurgical breast MRI on the surgical management of selected patients with early-stage breast cancer, who were candidates for BCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS The trial was built up according to the major European Breast Society. In additional foci classified as BI-RADS 3-4 (4a, 4b, and 4c), a targeted second-look US study was performed. RESULTS A total of 123 patients underwent presurgical breast MRI. Therapeutic strategy established based on MRI was appropriate in 83.8% of cases. Analysis carried out on the subgroup of patients with dense breast showed that additional foci were found in 41.9% and a greater local extension of the index lesion in 6.4%. CONCLUSION The results obtained in the subgroup of patients with high breast density suggest the importance of a sensitive tool such as MRI in the local staging of breast cancer before treatment planning. KEY WORDS Breast cancer, BI-RADS, Histological diagnosis, Mammography MRI.