MRI detects and helps treat breast cancer

MIAMI, April 11 (UPI) -- Magnetic resonance imaging is effective in differentiating the blood supply in breast tumors and is useful in treatment, U.S. and Israeli researchers say.

Researchers at the University of Miami and the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel, compared 54 negative and benign cases to 47 tumors. Of the 23 lateral tumors -- 47 percent were found to use the medial vessel, 35 the lateral vessel and 18 percent did not have a predominant vessel. Of the 21 medial tumors -- 87 percent were found to receive blood mostly from the medial vessel and the remaining from the lateral vessel.

"These differences may indicate a need for differential treatment modalities according to location," lead study author Dr. Grubstein of the Rabin Center said in a statement. "MRI is currently the best modality enabling us to visualize not only cancer in the breast but the effect it has on the surrounding anatomy, especially regarding vascular supply and lymphatic drainage."

The study is scheduled to be presented next week as an electronic exhibit during the American Roentgen Ray Society's annual meeting in Washington.