breast mri

Overview

For certain women at high risk for breast cancer, screening MRI is recommended along with a yearly mammogram. It is not generally recommended as a screening tool by itself as it may miss some cancers that mammograms would find. MRI also costs more than mammograms. Most major insurance companies will likely pay for a screening MRI if a woman can be shown to be at high risk, but it's not yet clear if all companies will do so. For more information about Breast MRI and Breast Cancer, please visit the site of the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
Brest MRI photo

what is an breast mri?

Breast MRI is a highly sensitive test for detecting cancers and other abnormalities not found in traditional mammography or ultrasound. It is also helpful in determining the extent of cancer if there is more than one lesion. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and remove any jewelry before the exam. Then you will be asked to lie face down on a special table for the duration of your exam, which takes about 30 minutes. The multi-dimensional image reconstruction allows radiologists to look at suspicious areas from different angles.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a computer, magnetic fields, and radio waves to generate images of the inside of the body. Speak with your doctor about the appropriateness of this test for you. New guidelines suggest that breast MRI be used for certain women with an especially high risk of developing breast cancer.

Completed reports will be available on RoyalMD

Why is a breast mri important?

Breast MRI is an important diagnostic tool because it can provide more detailed and accurate images of the breast tissue than other imaging techniques. Here are some reasons why breast MRI may be important:

  1. Detecting breast cancer: Breast MRI can help detect breast cancer in women who have dense breast tissue, which can make it difficult to identify cancer with other imaging techniques like mammography or ultrasound. MRI can also help detect cancer in women who have already been diagnosed with the disease, as it can provide more detailed information about the size and location of the tumor.

  2. Determining the extent of breast cancer: Breast MRI can help determine the extent of breast cancer before surgery. This information can be used to plan the best course of treatment for the patient.

  3. Screening for breast cancer: Women who are at high risk for breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or those with a genetic mutation that increases their risk, may benefit from regular breast MRI screening. This can help detect cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable.

  4. Monitoring response to treatment: Breast MRI can also be used to monitor the response to treatment for breast cancer. The images can help doctors determine if the tumor is shrinking or if the cancer has spread to other areas of the breast.

Overall, breast MRI is an important tool that can provide more detailed and accurate information about breast tissue, which can help with early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Who should receive breast MRI?

Breast MRI is not necessary or recommended for everyone. Your doctor will determine if you should get a breast MRI based on your individual circumstances and medical history. Here are some general guidelines for who might benefit from a breast MRI:

  1. Women with a high risk of breast cancer: Women who have a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from regular breast MRI screening. This includes women with a family history of breast cancer, women who carry a genetic mutation that increases their risk of breast cancer (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), and women who have had radiation therapy to the chest before the age of 30.

  2. Women with dense breast tissue: Women with dense breast tissue may benefit from a breast MRI in addition to other imaging tests, such as mammography or ultrasound. Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect cancer with other imaging tests, and a breast MRI can provide more detailed information about the breast tissue.

  3. Women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer: Breast MRI may be recommended for women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer to help determine the extent of the disease and to plan the best course of treatment.

  4. Women who are experiencing unusual breast symptoms: Breast MRI may also be recommended for women who are experiencing unusual breast symptoms, such as lumps, nipple discharge, or breast pain.

It's important to note that breast MRI is not a substitute for other imaging tests like mammography, and it's not recommended as a routine screening test for all women. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of a breast MRI with you and help determine if it's the right test for your individual situation.

Reports are also available on the MyRAD Patient Portal