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

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 MR'. 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 64%. 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.