The use of MRI is effective in differentiating the blood supply to medial and lateral breast tumors, which is important in therapy planning and prognosis as per a research studyconducted by scientists at the University of Miami in Miami, FL and the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel.

Blood supply of medial tumors is mainly through the internal mammary vessels while lateral tumors may be supplied by both the internal or lateral mammary branches.

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, particularly regarding vascular supply and lymphatic drainage, said Ahuva Grubstein, MD, of the Rabin Medical Center and lead author of the study.

The study reviewed 47 tumors (24 medial and 23 lateral) compared to 54 negative and non-malignant cases. Of the 24 medial tumors, 21 predominately received blood from the medial vessel (87%) while 3 predominately received blood from the lateral vessel (13%). Of the 23 lateral tumors, 11 predominately received blood from the medial vessel (47%) while 8 predominately received blood from the lateral vessel (35%). As per the study, 18% of the lateral tumor cases didnt demonstrate any predominant vessel. We dont have enough data regarding aggressiveness of tumors and their blood supply, only that cancerous tumors can change the normal breast blood supply and that this change depends on the tumor location within the breast, said Dr. Grubstein. This change can be used as a marker for malignancy compared to non-malignant findings, he said.

Our findings support existing differences between medial and lateral breast tumors regarding metastatic spread and survival. These differences may indicate a need for differential therapy modalities as per location, said Dr. Grubstein.


Posted by: Betsy    Source

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