Type of Scans Performed

In addition to high field 3.0T MRI, we also perform the following diagnostic imaging procedures:

CT Scans

• State of the art 64-slice CT scans specializing in 3–Dimensional Reconstruction using the most sophisticated technology available anywhere.
  

Nuclear Medicine

• Our Nuclear Medicine department performs highly sensitive Bone Scans to provide accurate cancer diagnosis, staging and detection of occult infections.
  
  
• For the brain, our PET studies show differentiation of neurodegenerative disorders, as well as differential diagnosis of Dementia and evaluation of Brain–Trauma/Seizure activity.
  

Ultrasound

• Full service Doppler Ultrasound procedures including thyroid, vascular, abdominal, renal, as well as breast and gynecological studies.

MRI Imaging for Breast Cancer

MRI Scan and Imaging Centers introduced Breast Imaging seven years ago to the South Florida region. This requires a high field magnet with dedicated breast coils. We feature the Discovery MR750 3.0T high field system which provides excellent imaging capability. In addition we utilize the most sophisticated Computer Aided Detection software (CAD Stream) for thorough evaluation and breast analysis.

Breast cancer has reached epidemic proportions, according to a report sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Services Office on Women's Health (PHSOWH). It is estimated that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

The MRI Scan & Imaging Centers acknowledges that there is a need for a diagnostic tool that can provide a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. MRI is the most sensitive imaging modality for detection of breast cancer. Unfortunately, it is not specific for breast cancer.

Improved imaging techniques, based on faster and more powerful gradients and computer systems, and a better understanding of the pathological and morphological behavior of breast lesions as seen on MRI images, have led to an increased interest in breast MRI. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991 for use as a supplemental tool, in addition to mammography to help diagnose breast cancer, breast MRI is an excellent problem-solving technology. It is most often used to evaluate possible breast masses first detected with physical exam, mammography or ultrasound. MRI is also very useful for staging breast cancer, evaluating the most appropriate treatment, and for patient follow up after breast cancer treatment.

In addition to its role as a diagnostic tool, MRI may be useful in screening younger women at high risk for breast cancer. Most women under 40 years of age do not require any breast imaging. However, some women under age 40 are at higher risk for breast cancer as determined by a strong family history. MRI may be helpful for these women, because MRI is effective in evaluating dense breast tissue, and most young women have this characteristic. However, mammography is currently the only FDA approved exam to be used to screen for breast cancer in women with no symptoms of the disease.

MRI Imaging of Breast Implants

MRI imaging is the single best method to detect implant rupture in women with augmented breasts. This technique is more accurate than mammography or ultrasound for the identification of implant failure. In the clinical setting of symptomatic patients with augmented breasts, MR imaging, although the most costly of the available implant imaging tests, is the study of choice.

MRI is an excellent tool for imaging the augmented breast, including both the breast implant itself, and the surrounding tissue (abnormalities or signs of breast cancer can sometimes be obscured by the implant on a mammogram).

The major benefit of MRI and breast augmentation is its significant role in the visualization of breast implant leakage and/or implant rupture. Implants can obscure some of the breast tissue on conventional mammogram images, making abnormalities or signs of cancer more difficult to see. X-rays used in mammography cannot penetrate silicone or saline implants well enough to image the overlying or underlying breast tissue. MRI does not have this limitation.

Benefits of Breast MRI

1. Can image breast implants and ruptures.
2. Highly sensitive to small abnormalities.
3. Can evaluate inverted nipples for evidence of cancer.
4. Can evaluate the extent of cancer.
5. Can help determine what type of surgery is indicated (mastectomy or lumpectomy).
6. Can locate primary tumors in women whose cancer has spread to auxiliary (armpit) lymph nodes.
7. Can spot or characterize small abnormalities missed by mammography.
8. May be useful in screening women at high risk for breast cancer, according to recent studies.

Limitations of Breast MRI

1. MRI takes 30 - 45 minutes compared to 10-20 minutes for mammography.
2. The cost is several times more than mammography.
3. Approximately 10% of all patients imaged may have confinement anxiety.
4. MRI cannot always distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in those cases a biopsy is often recommended.
5. Most MRI centers do not offer, or are not capable of advanced techniques in MRI. The MRI Scan & Imaging Centers has offered these advanced techniques since 1996!

Why would you send you patients anywhere else?