7
Of
all the tests that help spot
breast cancer in its early stages,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
is the most sensitive. It can detect
malignancies that may not show
up on mam-
mograms or
ultrasound. It is
the only exam
that can detect
noncalci ed
ductal carci-
noma in situ
(
DCIS), or the
earliest stages
of breast cancer.
This is why the American Cancer
Society (ACS) advises women at high
risk for breast cancer to schedule a
yearly MRI scan along with a mam-
mogram. High-risk women include
those with a strong family history of
breast cancer, those who have had
biopsies showing atypia, and those
with histories of radiation exposure
or history of relatedmalignancies.
Doctors can also use MRI while
performing minimally invasive
biopsies that leave women with little
or no scarring. This type of biopsy is
available at Mercy Medical Center
Mt. Shasta, using ultrasound orMRI
guidance, andwill soonbe available at
St. ElizabethCommunityHospital in
Red Blu . These biopsies can be per-
formed after anMRI screening if the
results reveal something suspicious.
Findinghidden tumors
MRI scans are radiation-free. They
Breast biopsies: TheMRI advantage
Patricia Hadley, MD
Radiologist, Mercy
Medical Center
Mt. Shasta
use radio waves, strong
magnets and a computer—
not X-rays—to create
highly detailed images of
tissue inside the breast. With
MRI, little or no compression is
needed to visualize breast tissue.
“
Physicians also have the ability
to use the images during biopsies
to pinpoint abnormal breast tissue
and remove some of it for examina-
tion under a microscope,” explains
Patricia Hadley, MD, Radiologist.
Guided by MR imaging, the
radiologist inserts a needle into
the area of concern to remove a
small tissue sample. Biopsies can
be done three ways: ine-needle
aspiration, core needle biopsy and
vacuum-assisted device. Local
anesthetic ensures a relatively
painless process.
Where to find breast MRI
Breast MRI services are available at Mercy Medical
Center Mt. Shasta. St. Elizabeth Imaging Center has
raised funds to add the breast MRI coil to its machine.
To learn more about this campaign or to donate, visit
www.supportmercynorth.org
or call Sue Ampi, Mercy
Foundation Development Officer, at
530.529.8016
.
Stop by the
Mercy Mt. Shasta
Imaging Center
at Doctors Park
or the St.
Elizabeth
Imaging Center
to pick up a free
women’s wellness
planner
,
while
supplies last.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
To learn more about breast biopsies, visit
the American Cancer Society at
www.cancer.org
.
To learn more about Dignity Health North State
Imaging Services, call
888.628.1948
.
Sources: American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of
North America
Dignity Health North State