Gadolinium Lawyers

MRI Recommended in High Risk Breast Cancer Patients

The American Cancer Society recommends women get an MRI, along with their yearly mammograms, to help find breast cancer before it spreads. Many women have come to rely on mammograms alone for early detection of breast cancer; they have provided reassurance and saved countless lives. However, mammograms miss between 10 and 20 percent of malignant tumors in women over 50, and more in younger women whose dense breast tissue is hard to distinguish from cancer in the test. Researchers from the Netherlands compared the popular mammogram with magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) scans to see which technique caught more cancers. The biggest downside to MRIs is that it is very expensive compared with mammography. Also, an MRI is more difficult to read.

Researchers from the Netherlands compared the mammogram with magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) scans to see which technique caught more cancers. The researchers wanted to know if MRI scanning works better than mammograms in detecting breast cancer. The doctors sampled 1,909 women who were at moderate or high risk for developing breast cancer. All of the women had a clinical breast exam every six months, an annual mammogram, and an annual MRI scan for four years. The researchers compared how well the MRI and mammogram detected malignant growths in the breast.

The researchers found that MRI scans were much better at detecting breast cancer. The MRI found 71 percent of breast cancer tumors in the sample, while mammograms detected only 40 percent. Out of the 45 total cases of cancer detected, the MRI found 22 that the mammogram missed, the mammogram found 8 not seen by the MRI, and 10 were visible on both images. The other 5 were detected through clinical breast exams.

This study strongly suggests that women who are at high risk for breast cancer should have an MRI screening in addition to yearly mammograms. However, most women in the United States are not at high risk and the MRI scans cost much more than mammogram. These costs are often out-of-pocket for the patient. As with all medical diagnostics, talk to your doctor first.

Your health may be at risk if you had an MRI and a Gadolinium-based contrast dye was used to enhance the MRI image. If you developed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), severe joint problems, skin problems, kidney failure, or renal failure, contact an attorney at Williams Kherkher today. Our specialist will analyze your situation and make a recommendation about what to do next. This initial consultation is free of charge, so contact the firm today.