Objective    To investigate the feasibility and value of MRI for assessing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) of breast cancer.     Methods    MR scanning was performed on 90 patients with breast cancer before operation. Of the 90 patients

74 underwent mammography. All the patients were analyzed to determine if they were eligible for BCS. The macroscopic and microscopic features of pathomorphology of resected specimens were observed. The results of MRI

mammography and histopathology were comparatively analysed.     Results    MRI could accurately assess the location

size

extent

number of breast cancer

as well as the status of the skin of mammary gland

chest wall and axillary nodes. Thirty-nine patients (43.33%) were considered eligible for BCS by MRI and the coincidence rate between MRI and pathology was 88.89%. And for mammography

there were 37 patients (52.86%) and the coincidence rate was 78.57%.     Conclusion    MRI can provide complete and accurate information on breast cancer. It is therefore feasible for surgeons to perform BCS on breast cancer patients.