Method

Sometimes, the MRI examination of the breast can be used not only complementarily, but also as an alternative to x-ray mammography. It can help to clarify certain issues that may have possibly been left open after mammography and other examination procedures of the breast. As no x-rays are used during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), this method is considered to be especially gentle.

The breast MRI is performed, for example, in order to precisely examine patients with breast cancer before surgery. In the after-care of patients who have already undergone breast surgery or have breast implants, MR Mammography is also used. This method complements the conventional x-ray mammography procedure, especially for women with dense tissue structures. 

MR Mammography indisputably has the highest sensitivity and preciseness for the detection of breast tumours that are already growing invasively.

Who are the examinations intended for?

• For women with diagnosed changes in the breast tissue (such as a digital rectal examination, or abnormalities in the x-ray or ultrasound examination): Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the breast may clarify whether the changes in the breast are benign or malignant, in the cases when the usual screening tests such as mammography (x-ray) and ultrasound do not provide reliable information.

• For patients with breast cancer, as a test before surgery to exclude other focuses of cancer and to plan the operative procedure. Should chemotherapy be required before surgery, its efficiency and progress can be checked. 
• For breast cancer patients in after-care to exclude a scar recurrence (tumour formation on the scar) with greater safety.
• For women with breast implants (e.g. silicone): The implants can interfere with the conventional diagnostic mammography (the implant covers large parts of the glandular tissue as a ‘shadow’). In addition, the position and integrity of the implants can be checked. 
• For patients who may have specific reasons which do not allow them to undergo breast cancer screening or x-ray mammography or they do not wish to do it: For example, young women with frequent breast cancer cases in the family history, who need an early detection of breast cancer as early as after the age of 30.

Advantages and disadvantages of magnetic resonance imaging of the female breast

• The images are created with the help of a strong magnetic field. X-rays are not required.
• The magnetic resonance imaging can be so good that it complements mammography and / or breast ultrasound in case of appropriate indications.

Magnetic resonance imaging alone cannot always distinguish benign tumours from malignant ones or detect breast cancer in its preliminary stages (carcinoma in situ).

The procedure is performed completely without x-rays. However, in Germany it may only be performed by radiologists. 

Method

The Radiologische Allianz also offers Low Dose Mammography, Tomosynthesis (3D mammography of the breast) and often a Computer Assisted second Diagnosis, (CAD).

Low Dose Mammography

A mammogram is an examination of the breast using x-ray. It is used to diagnose breast cancer in its early stages, and in connection with breast cancer operations. A mammogram can make the tiniest tumours visible at very early stages when they cannot yet be felt, thus improving the patient’s chances of recovery. The Radiologische Allianz works with digital mammograms as its standard method.

Scientific studies confirm that mammograms are the best way to diagnose tiny tumours in their early stages. For this reason, this examination method forms the basis of the Radiologische Allianz’s breast cancer prevention approach.

With the same image quality, the low dose mammogram makes it possible to reduce the radiation dose by up to 30 percent by dispensing with the anti-scatter grid. In view of the large number of mainly healthy women who are examined as part of early detection mammography, this is a significant change.

Tomosynthesis

In 3D tomosynthesis, three-dimensional images of the breast are created. This means that we can recognise tumours which are hidden by overlapping tissue – something which was not possible until now. The presentation of the breast tissue as a cross-section without anything superimposed on it makes a more precise diagnosis possible, and reduces the number of so-called false positive results. This technique is used by the Radiologische Allianz in addition to the usual digital mammograpy and other breast diagnostics methods, in particular for patients with dense mammary tissue and an inconclusive diagnosis.

Method

The Radiologische Allianz also offers Low Dose Mammography, Tomosynthesis (3D mammography of the breast) and often a Computer Assisted second Diagnosis, (CAD).

Tomosynthesis

In 3D tomosynthesis, three-dimensional images of the breast are created. This means that we can recognise tumours which are hidden by overlapping tissue – something which was not possible until now. The presentation of the breast tissue as a cross-section without anything superimposed on it makes a more precise diagnosis possible, and reduces the number of so-called false positive results. This technique is used by the Radiologische Allianz in addition to the usual digital mammograpy and other breast diagnostics methods, in particular for patients with dense mammary tissue and an inconclusive diagnosis.

Low Dose Mammography

A mammogram is an examination of the breast using x-ray. It is used to diagnose breast cancer in its early stages, and in connection with breast cancer operations. A mammogram can make the tiniest tumours visible at very early stages when they cannot yet be felt, thus improving the patient’s chances of recovery. The Radiologische Allianz works with digital mammograms as its standard method.

Scientific studies confirm that mammograms are the best way to diagnose tiny tumours in their early stages. For this reason, this examination method forms the basis of the Radiologische Allianz’s breast cancer prevention approach.

With the same image quality, the low dose mammogram makes it possible to reduce the radiation dose by up to 30 percent by dispensing with the anti-scatter grid. In view of the large number of mainly healthy women who are examined as part of early detection mammography, this is a significant change.