Research Expertise Summary
Dr Mohamad Hajaj is an academically driven Consultant Breast Radiologist with an extensive research record spanning breast MRI, screening performance, benign and malignant breast disease, vacuum-assisted biopsy techniques, and quality assurance in population breast screening. His work integrates clinical excellence with evidence-based innovation, contributing to improved diagnostic pathways and patient outcomes across the UK and internationally.
Over the past two decades, Dr Hajaj has produced influential peer-reviewed publications, case reports, and multicentre collaborations featured in respected journals including European Journal of Radiology, Clinical Radiology, European Journal of Breast Health, The Breast, and Journal of Surgery and Research. His publication highlights include:
Selected Publication Highlights
• Migration of localisation wire into the axilla during wire-guided excision of a breast tumour Journal of Surgery and Research, 2020 – A notable case report examining a rare and important complication in breast surgery, with emphasis on safety and surgical decision-making.
• Breast Cancer Detection in Qatar: Evaluation of Mammography Quality Using a Standardized Assessment Tool European Journal of Breast Health, 2020 – A quality-improvement study assessing mammography standards within a national screening programme.
• Axillary tumour burden in women with single versus multiple abnormal axillary nodes on ultrasound Clinical Radiology, 2017 – A significant collaborative paper refining preoperative axillary staging and influencing surgical planning.
• Impact of preoperative MRI on the management of high-grade DCIS European Journal of Radiology, 2017 – A widely referenced study exploring the value of MRI in detecting additional disease and optimising surgical outcomes.
• Cost-effectiveness and clinical utility of Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy for screen-detected indeterminate lesions The Breast, 2015 – An early evaluation supporting the growth of VAB/VAE services and minimally invasive breast interventions.
• Prospective MRI assessment in invasive lobular carcinoma: correlation with pathology and surgical impact Clinical Radiology, 2013 – Research highlighting the unique behaviour of lobular cancer and the critical role of MRI in surgical planning.
• Essay on Mammary Gland Biopsy Czech Radiology Magazine, 2001 – A foundational academic piece reflecting early interest in breast intervention techniques.
Research Themes and Academic Contributions
Dr Hajaj’s scholarship Centres on:
• Advanced Breast MRI – diagnostic accuracy, preoperative staging, high-risk screening, and MRI-driven surgical planning.
• Breast Screening Quality & Performance – mammography QA, interval cancer analysis, discrepant reviews, and screening pathway optimisation.
• Axillary Staging – ultrasound assessment, tumour burden prediction, and integration of imaging into surgical strategy.
• Minimally Invasive Breast Interventions – vacuum-assisted biopsy/excision, cost-effectiveness, and service development.
• Benign Breast Disease – case-based research including complex benign lesions and diagnostic pitfalls.
Dr Hajaj has presented at major national and international conferences including EUSOBI, UKIO, and the Women’s Health Summit, and delivers hands-on workshops in vacuum-assisted procedures (including industry-sponsored European faculty roles).
He also founded an international Breast Imaging Fellowship Programme in 2019, mentoring radiologists worldwide and contributing to the global advancement of breast imaging standards.