It wasn't that long ago that medical experts began recommending that some women add the breast MRI to their annual mammogram exams. Now further research indicates that there is an additional sector of women who should not only get the breast MRI but who should also get FDG-PET/CT scans to identify and prevent the spread of breast cancer.
The breast MRI is recommended for a select group of women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. This includes women who feel unusual lumps that haven't been properly diagnosed with a mammogram as well as women with a history of breast cancer in the family. More importantly, the breast MRI is recommended for women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and who want to be able to determine the exact spread of the disease.
The new research shows that women who have "locally advanced" breast cancer can further benefit from the use of FDG-PET/CT scans. These scans are able to detect breast cancer in areas of imaging that aren't covered by the breast MRI. By using it in addition to the breast MRI, it is a tool which can determine the exact spread of the disease. This allows the doctor to eradicate the disease more effectively.
Question of the Day: Do you get your annual mammogram done?
