This article was of particular interest to me since this variety is not only
hard to detect, but also has a greater tendency to show up in the other
breast. Even after I was diagnosed with a fairly large tumor, it did not
show up on my mammogram! Now the hard part will be getting docs to request
it, and insurance cos. to cover it...doesn't sound like it will be used for
initial detection, but just for verification. Love, Joicy
MRI Most Accurate For Detecting Difficult To Diagnose Breast Cancer
[05/11/99; Doctor's Guide]
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- May 10, 1999 -- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) has been shown to be effective in detecting and staging
invasive lobular breast cancer, a form of breast cancer that
historically has been difficult to diagnose accurately by mammography
or ultrasound, a new study shows.
"This form of cancer may be hidden within the normal breast tissue
on the mammogram and therefore cannot be easily seen. MRI appears
to be much more informative", explained Rose Heller, MD and Susan
Orel, MD, lead authors of the study and radiologists at the Hospital
of The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA., where
the study was conducted.
The study was presented today at the 99th annual meeting of the
American Roentgen Ray Society in New Orleans, LA.
The information provided by MRI in these cases could be used to
guide surgical planning, the researchers said. Overall, the information
provided by the MRI can be used to plan the fastest and most
accurate treatment for women, they added.
In 89 percent of the cases MRI correctly identified invasive lobular breast
cancer, according to the study chairs. This specific kind of cancer accounts
for approximately 10 percent of all breast cancers.
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