Breast MRI

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help physicians evaluate the extent of a known breast cancer, screen high-risk patients and further evaluate areas of concern found by mammograms, ultrasounds or during physical examinations.

The American Cancer Society recommends breast MRI for women with a 20-25 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer.

Consider breast MRI for:

• Pre-surgical planning
  - Provides accurate location, shape and extent of lesion
  - Pinpoints blood supply
  - Helps determine single vs. multifocal disease, which affects how conservative or radical the surgery may be
• Monitoring response to treatment
• High-risk patients, including those with personal or family history, high-risk lesions, BRCA 1 and 2 positive generic tests, or history of radiation (for lymphoma, childhood scoliosis, etc.)
• Auxiliary mass with negative mammography
• Patients who are unable to have mammograms (for various reasons)