Breast MRI
What is a Breast MRI?
Breast MRI uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to make pictures of the breast. MRI may show problems in the breast that cannot be seen on an X-ray or ultrasound.
The MRI records pictures that show your breast's normal structure; tissue damage or disease, such as infection; inflammation; or a lump.
In most cases, a dye (contrast material) may be used so that abnormalities can be seen more clearly from normal breast tissue. The contrast material makes it easier to find problems with increased or abnormal blood flow, such as with some types of cancer or areas of inflammation.
MR imaging of the breast is performed to:
- Identify early breast cancer not detected through other means, especially in women with dense breast tissue and those at high risk for the disease
- Evaluate abnormalities detected by mammography or ultrasound
- Distinguish between scar tissue and recurrent tumors
- Determine whether cancer detected by mammography, ultrasound, or after surgical biopsy has spread further in the breast or into the chest wall
- Assess the effect of chemotherapy
- Provide additional information on a diseased breast to make treatment decisions
- Determine the integrity of breast implants
- Assess multiple tumor locations, especially prior to breast conservation surgery
How Will I Learn The Results?
A specialized breast MRI radiologist will produce a detailed report that will be sent to your ordering physician who will discuss the results with you.
Breast MRI Appointments: Call 888.364.6400