Women who have had a questionable mammogram, are considered at elevated risk and require a second screening tool, or have had a positive biopsy and need assessment of the extent of cancer, can benefit from breast magnetic resonance imaging, or breast MRI. While breast MRI is not a substitute for routine screening mammography, it can be an important supplementary screening for high-risk patients. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women with a greater than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer have both a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, as each test can discover abnormalities the other can miss. Your referring clinician can help you decide if breast MRI might be a useful addition to your routine screening plan.
Your doctor may advise that you get a breast MRI if you:
Need more information after a questionable mammogram or breast ultrasound
Have a strong personal or immediate family history of breast cancer and/or tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
Have very dense breast tissue that is inadequately imaged through mammography alone
Have a history of precancerous changes in your breast tissue
Have breast implants that may be leaking or ruptured
Had radiation therapy to your chest (particularly before age 30)
Have had a positive diagnosis of breast cancer and your doctor needs to assess its extent
Need to monitor the progress of breast cancer treatment
What is Breast MRI?
Breast MRI is an imaging technology that utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves to produce highly detailed cross-sectional 3D images of breast tissue without exposure to radiation, making it a safe adjunct to mammography. MRI itself is painless and non-invasive, though it typically requires an injection of contrast dye to highlight the areas being studied.
During the exam, you are asked to lie face-down on a specialized table with your breasts angled through a padded opening at the center, which is fitted with coiled signal receivers to capture data. The table slides into the center of the MRI machine, and you are asked to lie still during the duration of the exam, which usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
Why RAI is the Smart Choice for Breast MRI
RAI is a local leader in breast MRI for important reasons:
RAI’s MRI equipment is designed specifically for breast imaging. Many imaging centers offer standard MRI, but only MRI dedicated specifically to breast imaging is considered to be the gold standard in detection. RAI offers advanced, state-of-the-art breast MRI technology.
RAI’s radiologists are prepared to perform an MRI-guided biopsy when needed. If your breast MRI uncovers an abnormality, the last thing you will want is to have to make a separate appointment for a second breast MRI and biopsy at another facility. RAI’s board-certified radiologists can immediately take an MRI-guided sample for biopsy, saving you time, anxiety, additional testing, and possible added expense.
As a center accredited by The American College of Radiology for superior MRI accuracy and safety, RAI is the destination trusted by local physicians and clinicians. If you think supplementary breast screening might be right for you, talk to your doctor about breast MRI from RAI. In many cases, this test can be covered by insurance.