IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Breast cancer (MRI)

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Hard, painless left-sided breast lump

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
mri

A well-defined ovoid mass lesion in the left breast. Mass is not particularly T2 hyperintense part from the central portion although there is considerable "edema" in adjacent breast parenchyma.

MIP of dynamic series showing a dramatic increase in blood flow to the entire left breast.  Note recruitment of right internal mammary vessels.

CAD color flow map showing red, malignant ("wash out") peripheral enhancement.

Peripheral enhancement with central non-enhancement corresponding to the T2 hyperintensity indicative of central necrosis. Note enlarged enhancing internal mammary node (arrowed). Enlarged, enhancing level 1 axillary lymphadenopathy (arrowed).

3D volume rendered reconstruction of abnormal enhancement of the left breast showing the size and extent of tumor involvement on this anterior view (note the subtracted view of the tumor alone in the left corner). Volume of tumor calculated as 268 cc.

Case Discussion

MRI is the investigation of choice for staging breast cancer ie determining size and number of tumors in the breasts (both ipsi and contralateral).  Blood flow characteristics are also useful to determine response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgical excisison.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.