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Preoperative MRI in Breast Cancer Management
Victor J. Zannis, MD, FACS 
The use of preoperative breast MRI for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients remains a complex and controversial topic in the breast cancer community. Supporters of the routine use of MRI argue that it improves surgical planning, reduces re-excision rates and lowers the risk of recurrence - all of which could lead to an improvement in overall survival rates.
Opponents, on the other hand, point out that these benefits have not been demonstrated in the available data. In addition to the lack of evidence that MRI improves survival, they argue that the higher cost, additional biopsies, increased patient anxiety, and the potential link between MRI and unnecessary mastectomies are sufficient justification to use the modality sparingly.
Breast surgeon Victor J. Zannis, MD, FACS discusses this controversial topic, including how he utilizes MRI in his own practice and the role it should play in the patient selection process for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). Read more
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