The complete radiology workup

Abstract

Breast imaging plays an integral role in screening for and the diagnostic workup of breast cancer as well as the evaluation of breast complaints. The most commonly used breast imaging modalities are mammography, breast ultrasound (US), and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Once cancer is diagnosed, imaging is important in defining the extent of disease within the index breast (unifocal vs. multifocal disease) and also evaluation of the contralateral breast for surgical treatment planning. For breast conservation therapy, diagnostic imaging defines the extent of malignancy before definitive surgical resection and is used to monitor the breast for local recurrence after surgery. © 2011 Springer Science + Business Media.