Breast MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging exam of the breast, used to further study an abnormality discovered by a screening mammogram or to determine the extent of breast cancer that may be present. In women who are considered to be at high risk of breast cancer, such as those with BRCA1, BRCA2 or CDH1 genetic markers, a history of precancerous changes, or a close family history of breast or ovarian cancer, breast MRI can be used as a supplementary screening exam, in addition to mammography. It may also provide an alternative means to examine extremely dense breast tissue that has failed to be imaged by mammography. “Due to its speed and overall accuracy, mammography remains the standard breast cancer screening exam for most women,” says Diagnostic Radiology and Breast Imaging subspecialist Dr. Ridgely Meyers. “But because MRI can discover some lesions missed by mammography, especially in inordinately dense breast tissue, it can be a valuable screening adjunct for women with elevated risk factors.”
Using radio waves and a powerful magnetic field, MRI captures multiple cross-sectional images of the breast, which are sent to a computer for reconstruction into a 3D representation so that tissue can be examined from myriad angles. MRI is radiation-free, so it is safe to perform in concert with mammography without concern of additional dosing. Because it doesn’t involve pressure, MRI may be the preferred cancer screening exam for women with breast implants, and the imaging test used to check for a suspected implant leak or rupture.
When is Breast MRI Needed?
Most often, breast MRI is indicated for women whose screening mammogram or breast ultrasound showed something requiring more examination, had a positive biopsy and need to determine the extent of cancer, or are considered at such an elevated risk that supplementarily MRI may be useful as part of their routine screening. According to The American Cancer Society, women with a greater than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer should have both a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, as each test’s ability to capture abnormalities complements the other. Breast MRI is also helpful in monitoring any breast cancer treatment to assess its efficacy.
What to Expect
During the exam, you will be asked to lie face-down on a specialized scanning table with your breasts angled through a padded opening at the center. The opening is lined with coiled signal receivers to capture data. The table slides into the center of the MRI machine, where you will lie still during the duration of the exam, which typically lasts between 30-60 minutes. Though an injection of contrast dye is utilized to highlight the areas being studied, MRI itself is painless and non-invasive.
Why RAO is the Smart Choice for Breast MRI
RAO is a local leader in breast MRI for several important reasons:
RAO’s MRI equipment is designed specifically for breast imaging. Many imaging centers offer standard MRI, but RAO offers advanced, state-of-the-art breast MRI technology.
Our radiologists are prepared to perform an MRI-guided biopsy when needed. If your breast MRI uncovers an abnormality, our Breast Imaging subspecialists may recommend another exam such as an ultrasound, or when needed, an MRI-guided biopsy, which is a radiation-free exam that doesn’t require anesthesia.
We have earned Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence designations by the American College of Radiology for our commitment to safety, accuracy and advanced technologies.
We maintain ongoing ACR accreditation in MRI imaging for outstanding practice standards.
All results are read in-house by our Board-certified radiologists, who sub-specialize in breast imaging.
“We are proud of the Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designations for both our Women’s Imaging Center and our TimberRidge Imaging Center,” says Dr. Meyers. “This is an honor given to very few women’s imaging practices in the region, and presents an important distinction in the sophistication of our imaging technologies, the experience of our radiologists and technologists, and the trustworthiness of our services.”
Talk to Your Prescriber
If you’re at high risk of breast cancer, had a questionable finding on a mammogram, or are unable to have mammography because of breast implants, talk to your clinician about whether breast MRI might be right for you. In many cases, this test is covered by Medicare and most insurance providers.
