Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive, usually painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.
MR imaging of the breast is performed to:
- Evaluate abnormalities detected by mammography.
- Identify early breast cancer not detected through other means, especially in women with dense breast tissue and those at high risk for the disease.
- Screen for cancer in women who have implants or scar tissue that might jeopardize an accurate result from a mammogram.
- Determine the integrity of breast implants.
- Distinguish between scar tissue and recurrent tumors.
- Assess multiple tumor locations.
- Look for multiple tumors prior to breast conservation surgery.
- Determine whether cancer detected by mammography or ultrasound has spread further in the breast or into the chest wall.
- Determine how much cancer has spread beyond the surgical site after a breast biopsy or lumpectomy.
- Assess the effect of chemotherapy.
- Provide additional information on a diseased breast to make treatment decisions.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) revised its breast cancer early detection guidelines to recommend MRI screening in addition to mammograms for women who meet at least one of the following conditions:
- A specific gene mutation associated with breast cancer.
- A first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with the gene mutation.
- A high risk factor based on family history of breast cancer and/or other factors.
- Radiation to the chest area between the ages of 10 and 30.
For more information on Breast MRI, contact St. Mary's North Women's, Imaging and Cancer Center at (865) 859-7058.
