A Study Comparing ex Vivo MRI Versus Radiography of Breast Specimens

A Randomized Study Comparing ex Vivo MRI Versus Radiography of Breast Specimens in Evaluating Tumor-free Margins After Surgical Resection of Breast Microcalcifications

Radiography of breast specimens is currently the only radiological procedure used to verify removal of microcalcifications and presence of tumor-free margins after breast surgical resection. Ex vivo MRI will be tested for its ability to detect residual tumor tissue not detected by radiography in resected breast tumor specimens and/or its ability to verify tumor-free margins in breast cancer detected by MRI only.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women with malignant breast disease identified by microcalcifications without clinically evident disease
• Women candidate to breast preserving surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cardiac pacemaker, defibrillators, cardiac monitors
• Brain stimulators, implantable spinal stimulators
• Vascular and aneurismal clips
• Hemostatic clips
• Infusion pumps
• Glaucoma drainage implants
• Metallic foreign body positioned in vital organ of the patients
• Some heart valves
• Some vascular access ports, infusion pumps and catheters
• Permanent contraceptive tubal device
• Kidney disease