Preoperative Breast MR Imaging: Its Role in Surgical Planning.

PURPOSE To explore the role and usefulness of preoperative breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in surgical planning and to determine whether routine use of preoperative breast MR imaging benefits patients. METHODS Searches were conducted to locate literature, specifically clinical studies, discussing the effect preoperative breast MR imaging has on altering surgical plans. Selected articles encompassed topics including additional biopsies, wider excisions, mastectomies, and re-excisions. The results of these studies were examined for the purpose of supporting or refuting the notion that preoperative MR imaging is beneficial. RESULTS Consensus is lacking about the role of preoperative MR imaging in surgical planning for patients with breast cancer. Some studies support the use of the technique, while others do not. DISCUSSION Preoperative breast MR imaging influences surgical planning for patients with breast cancer. When used before surgery, MR imaging can lead to changes in the surgical plan. Changes include additional biopsies, a more extensive lumpectomy, or the potential for a mastectomy. Certain research studies conclude that MR imaging improves surgical planning, while others disagree. CONCLUSION The current available literature does not reach a sole conclusion. Some studies suggest that MR imaging is beneficial, while others declare that it leads to unnecessary surgical changes. Additional studies do not reach a decision either way and instead call for further research. The lack of consensus indicates that more research is needed before the usefulness of breast MR imaging for surgical planning can be determined.