title: Breast cancer: pre- and postoperative imaging for staging.
abstract: Mammography is considered the "gold standard" in the evaluation of the breast from an imaging perspective. Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefit of mammography in detecting smaller cancers, leading to identification of early-stage breast cancers, which largely accounts for decreased mortality from breast cancer and the increased rate of breast conservation. Identification of a suspicious lesion on a mammogram prompts further evaluation including additional mammographic views, ultrasound examination, and biopsy. Recently, MRI and positron emission tomography are being offered as adjuncts to the preoperative workup to better stage the patient; however, there is still controversy over the most appropriate use of these modalities.
authors.affiliation: Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 675 North St. Clair Street, Galter 13-104, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. nhansen@nmh.org
authors.forename: Nora M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Alicia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Growney
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008327:Mammography; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary