E2774. Breast MRI for Extent of Disease Evaluation: Mechanism and Pattern of Metastatic Spread in Breast Cancer
Authors
Janice Thai;
Massachusettes General Hospital
Background
Breast MRI for extent of disease evaluation is performed in patients with known breast primary malignancy. Additional disease in the ipsilateral or contralateral breast may be detected that is occult on mammography or sonography. The purpose of this exhibit is to review the various patterns of metastatic spread of disease on MRI.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Imaging review of various patterns of tumor dissemination will be provided. The major mechanisms/pathways of breast cancer metastatic spread will be reviewed.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Key imaging features of skin invasion, tumor invasion of the chest wall, and tumor involvement of the nipple areolar complex will be presented as a case-based review. An imaging overview of metastatic breast cancer encompassing both regional lymphatic tumor involvement and distant extramammary metastatic spread of disease will be discussed. Particular emphasis on the unique entity of poorly differentiated carcinoma and the patterns of tumor dissemination in this highly aggressive tumor will be presented.
Conclusion
Knowledge and recognition of the various pathways/mechanisms of spread of breast cancer and their imaging manifestation on MRI enable informed interpretation and management recommendation.
