Breast MRI

MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.

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.
• provide additional information on a diseased breast to make treatment decisions.

Without contrast material, an MRI of the breast can show:

• breast tissue density.
• cysts
• enlarged ducts
• hematomas
• leaking or ruptured breast implants

By comparing breast images taken before and after contrast material injection, an MRI exam can determine:

• if there are breast abnormalities.
• whether an abnormality looks benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
• the size and location of any abnormality that looks malignant.
• the presence of enlarged lymph nodes.

Please notify a member of UCI's staff if there is a chance you may be pregnant!