The Role of MRI and PET/CT in the Detection of Breast Malignancies
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is another effective screening tool performed for women with dense breast tissue. While 3D mammograms and ultrasound are important components of a comprehensive cancer screening, adding in breast MRI for those with dense breast tissue, a family history of breast carcinoma, or for differentiating benign from malignant lesions provides an added layer of certainty when traditional imaging modalities are unclear.
A breast MRI is typically performed after a biopsy that is positive for cancer to provide the doctor with more information about the extent of the disease. However, Charter Radiology is utilizing this powerful imaging tool to find breast cancer in dense tissue when a mammogram comes up inconclusive.
PET/CT and Breast Cancer – A New Imaging Option
An emerging screening tool now available at Charter Radiology is PET/CT. Utilizing the most advanced technology on the market, PET/CT provides unique tomographic images to diagnose disease in the earliest stages, detect exact location, and distinguish between benign and malignant tumors. One of the only imaging centers in the region to offer this technology for breast imaging, PET/CT may detect the early onset of disease before it is visualized on traditional modalities such as X-ray, CT, or MRI. Talk to your doctor to see if you’re a candidate for PET/CT.
Watch: MRI and PET/CT for Breast Cancer Detection
A breast MRI with contrast for a case of invasive ductal carcinoma.
Patient with a history of a left breast lump has PET/CT that shows suspected malignancy.
Patient presents with bilateral breast masses. PET/CT reveals metastatic carcinoma.
Comfort and Care – The Sentinelle Breast MRI Coil
One of the gold standards in breast MRI is the Sentinelle Breast MRI coil, which also has the ability to perform MR-guided biopsy.
This device enables us to improve patient comfort and image quality while delivering the highest level of personalized care, one woman at a time.
Utilizing the Sentinelle MRI breast coil and biopsy device coupled with Gadavist® injection contrast, the first and only contrast agent that is indicated for breast MRI, Charter Radiology is a leader in the early detection of breast malignancies for women with dense breasts.
Gadavist® Injection Contrast – The Safest for Breast MRI
The safety and comfort of our patients is priority number one at Charter Radiology, which is why we use Gadavist® injection contrast, the first and only contrast agent that is indicated for breast MRI. Clinical studies have shown that breast MRI performed using the contrast agent identified a greater number of malignancies than MRI performed without contrast.
Gadavist contrast is the safest macrocyclic Gadolinium-based contrast agent available, with adverse reactions occurring in less than 0.1% of patients.
Schedule a Breast MRI or PET/CT
Call 443-917-2855
Inspiring Patient Stories
Charter Radiology’s patients are grateful for the unmatched personal and specialized care they receive. Take it from our recent patient, Debbie. Watch her inspiring story here: