Breast MRI

This page includes general information about what you can expect before, during and after your exam. For more specific information about your appointment and results, please contact the local center where your appointment is scheduled.

Breast MRI is a non-invasive procedure used to further look at breast tissue. There are two types of breast MRI exams: with contrast or without contrast. Contrast (a special dye that helps highlight breast tissue) is used to evaluate for suspected or known breast cancer or for a screening exam in certain high-risk patients together with a screening mammogram. Breast MRI does not replace mammography and ultrasound, but rather is an adjunct exam. Non-contrast exams are for evaluating breast implants. Click here to view pictures of a Breast MRI procedure.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Contrast Exams:

Further work-up after an inconclusive mammogram, ultrasound or physical exam
Assist in breast cancer detection
Determine the extent of breast cancer
Assist with consideration of treatment options
Monitor breast cancer chemotherapy
Screening exam for certain high-risk patients

Non-Contrast Exams:

Determine implant rupture or leakage

In 2007, the American Cancer Society changed its screening guidelines to include Breast MRI to be used in conjunction with mammography as a surveillance exam for certain high-risk patients. Talk to your doctor to determine if a breast MRI screening exam is right for you.

Exam preparation

A staff representative will call you prior to your appointment to provide specific instructions, and review health and insurance information.
Please bring previous studies to the appointment, including ultrasound, mammography and MRI exams.
Contrast Breast MRI exams are ideally performed between days 7-12 of your menstrual cycle.
If sedation is requested, you should arrange for someone to drive you home.
Breast MRI exams take 60 to 90 minutes to perform.

During the exam – what to expect

If your exam requires contrast, you will be given an I.V. in your arm or hand prior to your scan.
As with all MRI exams, you are asked to remove any metal from your body and required to change into a gown.
During the exam, you will lay on your stomach with both breasts naturally positioned in a cushioned recess containing the MRI scanner’s signal receiver (also known as a breast coil). Your head will be positioned on a headrest that is equipped with mirrors so you can see out of the scanner during the exam. Your arms will be positioned above your head.
The entire bed will advance forward into the opening of the MRI scanner.
You will need to lie still while the computer acquires the images.
Next, contrast, called Gadolinium, will be injected through the I.V. during the scan. Gadolinium is an FDA-approved, non-radioactive contrast agent that helps the physician better view potential lesions/tumors.
Additional images will be taken.

What happens after the exam

Ask a member of our staff for more specific information on when and how you will receive your results. However, in general you can expect:

A radiologist who specializes in breast imaging will review your images.
The radiologist prepares a diagnostic report and images to share with your doctor.
Your doctor will consider this information in context of your overall care, and talk with you about the results.
The IV contrast is rapidly cleared from the body by the kidneys after the exam. However, breastfeeding women should discard milk for 48 hours after the exam.

If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your local imaging center.

To find out if the center nearest you offers this exam, go to the “Our Centers” section of this site.