MRI-guided Breast Biopsy Pronounced a Success

An MRI-guided breast biopsy successfully removed the breast lesion by taking x-ray of the lesion as well as slices of the lesion, according to radiologists. ''Contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast is becoming increasingly useful in patients with lesions that cannot be detected with other techniques,'' said Basak Erguvan-Dogan, MD, radiologist in Breast Imaging at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. ''However, it is hard to confirm removal of the targeted lesion because the abnormality does not enhance after being removed from the breast.''

Currently, patients who have MRI-guided needle localization and excision of abnormalities may be asked to have follow-up breast MRI; if the lesion has not been successfully removed, another biopsy procedure will need to be done. ''By taking x-rays of the lesion specimen, then slicing it up and taking additional x-rays, we can determine if the lesion has been removed or if additional tissue needs to be excised while the patient is still in the operating room,'' Dr. Erguvan-Dogan said.