MR spectroscopy and imaging of breast cancer. A brief history.

The application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to the diagnosis of breast cancer has come a long way in a relatively brief period of time. Early investigators focused on diagnosis by in vitro NMR spectroscopy. More recently, in vivo NMR spectroscopy, contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and MR imaging-controlled biopsy have been investigated. The author predicts that MR imaging of breast cancer quickly will make the transition from experimental method to useful clinical technique.