Imaging in Breast Cancer: Use of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is used nowadays with increased specificity to distinguish between malignant and benign breast lesions.  Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of MRS in malignant breast lesions.  Methodology: Newly diagnosed patients (n=158) having breast lesions diagnosed on ultrasound and mammography were enrolled to conduct the present study at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan for six months. Enrolled patients were informed and consent was taken. Every patient underwent proton MRS using a 1.5 Tesla MR system. Fast scans in various planes were obtained. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) was given for age, size of the lump, and duration of the disease whereas frequency and percentage were given for benign and malignant breast lesions by SPSS version 26. A significant p-value was ≤0.05.  Results: The mean age of patients was 41.27 ± 5.48 years. The diagnosis of malignant breast lesions in 80 (50.63%) patients was shown by MRS whereas histopathology showed malignancy in 83 (52.53%) cases.  Conclusion: MRS is an accurate diagnostic modality for malignant breast lesions.