Mr imaging of the breast in patients with occult primary breast cancer presenting as an axillary metastasis

Nguyen Thi Huong1, Nguyen Duy Hue2, Nguyen Duc Hinh3, Bui Van Lenh4, Le Tuan Linh4,
1 Hanoi Medical University Hospital
2 Hanoi Medical University
3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanoi Medical University
4 Department of Diagnostic Imaging Hanoi Medical University

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Abstract

SUMMARY


Purpose: To access the value of MRI in the diagnosis of occult primary cancer with axillary metastasis.
Methods and Materials: 12 patients occult breast cancer with malignant axillary adenopathy and negative on mammographic, echography and physical examination findings, were underwent contrast material-enhanced MR imaging in Hanoi medical university hospital.
Results: The sensitivity of MRI in the diagnosis of occult primary cancer with axillary metastases was 83%. MR imaging
depicted small cancers from 3 to 12mm diameter. Of the 12 patients, three patients were underwent mastectomy, five were underwent lobectomy, and four were underwent breast-conservation therapy.
Conclusion: MR imaging is very sensitive for the detection of occult breast cancer with malignant axillary adenopathy. MR
imaging offers potential not only for cancer detection but also for staging the cancer within the breast, which may be useful for treatment planning.

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References

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