Impact of Breast MRI on BI-RADS 3 and 4 Sono-Mammography Lesions

Abstract

Breast cancer is a global health challenge, with 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths reported in 2022. The impact of breast cancer varies significantly based on healthcare access and socioeconomic factors. In high Human Development Index (HDI) countries, 1 in 12 women will develop breast cancer, and 1 in 71 will die from it. In contrast, low HDI countries see a higher risk of diagnosis (1 in 27) and mortality (1 in 48). In India, breast cancer made up 13.5% of all cancers and 10.6% of cancer deaths in 2020, underscoring the need for improved diagnostic strategies. While mammography and ultrasonography are key imaging methods for breast cancer detection, they have limitations, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. Dense tissue reduces mammogram sensitivity, making it harder to detect small or early-stage lesions. Breast MRI has emerged as a more sensitive tool, especially for women with dense breasts or those at high risk of breast cancer. MRI offers superior accuracy in detecting smaller lesions that mammography or ultrasound may miss. MRI is especially valuable in assessing BI-RADS (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System) 3 and 4 lesions. BI-RADS 3 lesions are likely benign but require follow-up, while BI-RADS 4 lesions are suspicious and usually require a biopsy. Accurate classification is crucial to reduce unnecessary biopsies and ensure timely treatment for malignant cases.