Breast MRI

Breast MRI is a non-invasive procedure used to look at the inside of your breasts without having to do surgery or flatten the breast (as in a mammogram). Breast MRI does not replace mammography and ultrasound, but rather is an adjunct exam when those traditional exam results are inconclusive. View pictures of a Breast MRI procedure.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of the breast are utilized to:

Assist in primary or recurrent breast cancer detection
Determine the extent of breast cancer
Assist with consideration of treatment options
Monitor breast cancer therapy
Determine implant rupture or leakage

Candidates for Breast MRI exam include women with:

Current diagnosis of breast cancer, prior to primary treatment
A history of breast cancer, or known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
A history of childhood treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Mammographically dense breasts
A primary relative with breast cancer (before age 50)
Silicone implants

Exam preparation

Please bring previous studies to the appointment, including ultrasound, mammography and MRI.
You should not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to your exam.
If sedation is requested, you should arrange for someone to drive you home.
Breast MRI exams take 40 to 60 minutes.

During the exam – what to expect

You will be given an I.V. in your arm or hand prior to your scan.
As with all MRI exams, you are asked to remove any metal from your body and required to change into a gown. During the exam, you will lay on your stomach with both breasts naturally positioned in a cushioned recess containing the MRI scanner’s signal receiver (also known as a breast coil). Your head will be positioned on a headrest that is equipped with mirrors so you can see out of the scanner during the exam. Your arms will be positioned above your head.
The entire bed will advance forward into the opening of the MRI scanner.
You will need to lie still while the computer acquires the images.
Next, contrast, called Gadolinium, will be injected through the I.V. during the scan. Gadolinium is an FDA-approved, non-radioactive contrast agent that helps the physician better view potential lesions/tumors.
Additional pictures will be taken.

What happens after the exam

A radiologist who specializes in breast imaging will review your images.
The radiologist prepares a diagnostic report and images to share with your doctor.
Your doctor will consider this information in context of your overall care, and talk with you about the results.
Gadolinium is rapidly cleared from the body by the kidneys after the exam. However, breastfeeding women should discard milk for 48 hours after the exam.

If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your local CDI center.