Things to know about MRI scans to detect diseases in the mammary glands

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thanh Hai - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective method of examination to detect breast diseases and contribute to the best treatment. In some cases, MRI is even safer and more effective in diagnosing the mammary gland than conventional radiographic, ultrasound, or clinical examinations.

1. What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves. The principle of this technique is based on the impact of the waves produced by the MRI machine causing the tissues in the body to absorb and release energy. The cardiac MRI machine then captures the energy, processes it, and converts it into image signals. The images from the MRI machine have high contrast, sharpness and clarity, good anatomy and 3D reconstruction for high diagnostic efficiency. In many cases, the diagnostic efficiency of MRI is much better than ultrasound, X-ray or CT scan...
Besides, MRI does not use radiation, so it is very safe. and is highly appreciated by professional doctors in the indications of imaging and diagnosis of diseases.
Breast MRI is the most advanced imaging technique of breast structure by magnetic field technique without affecting the health of the performer. Today, with the advancement of science and technology, scientists have created generations of MRI machines that specialize in breast examination, these specialized machines have effectively supported the examination and development. early detection of breast diseases.

2. How effective is a mammogram to diagnose?

The breast MRI technique is simple, non-invasive and does not cause discomfort to the patient. The patient is placed prone on the imaging table, the breasts are free to rest in the imaging area. The acquired images are processed through the computer system to produce clear, high-resolution images that help doctors have a basis for analysis and accurate diagnosis.
Breast MRI has a high sensitivity of nearly 100% for the detection of millimeter shoulder invasive breast cancer. After being approved by the FDA in 1991, breast MRI can be indicated in the early detection of breast cancer in particular and breast diseases in general. In addition, breast MRI is also indicated in the assessment of cancer stage, postoperative follow-up, chemotherapy and cancer recurrence.
Besides the remarkable advantages in terms of imaging to effectively support the early diagnosis of mammary gland diseases, especially early detection of breast cancer, breast MRI also plays an important role in guiding the diagnosis of breast cancer. Guide to taking biopsy samples through the method of locating the lesion in three-dimensional space, helping to take samples accurately so that pathologists have reliable specimens, from which pathological results can be obtained. accuracy helps clinicians have better treatment direction.
Thus, in the role of examination to detect breast cancer early, besides breast ultrasound, mammography and clinical examination, we also have breast MRI. Mammography MRI has high value in screening and early detection of breast cancer, thereby having early treatment and reducing breast cancer mortality.

3. In what case is breast MRI indicated?

In recent years, mammography has been recommended as an adjunct to physical examination, mammography, and ultrasonography in specific patients. Specifically, cases indicated for breast MRI include:
Determining the nature of the lesion in cases that cannot be concluded by conventional mammography diagnostic means. Evaluation of the extent of lesions in both ductal carcinoma and infiltrative lobular carcinoma. Invasive assessment of the muscle fascia. Examination of the contralateral breast in patients with breast cancer. Assess before, during, and after chemotherapy. Evaluation of residual lesions after tumor resection. Suspect tumor recurrence in patients with or without postoperative mammography. There is malignant axillary lymph node involvement with unknown primary tumor. Breast cancer screening in high-risk patients. Examine very large breasts with or without breast implants. Breast MRI is of great value in screening for breast cancer. This technique is one of the techniques used very effectively in the Breast Cancer Screening Package at Vinmec International General Hospital. In addition to breast MRI, Vinmec also deploys other techniques such as histopathological diagnosis, gene-cell testing, .... to have the most complete basis to accurately determine the customer's health status.
Doctor Hai has more than 20 years of experience in the field of diagnostic imaging, especially in the field of multi-segment computed tomography, magnetic resonance. Currently, the doctor is working at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.

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