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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast — or breast MRI — is a test used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast.
A breast MRI captures multiple pictures of your breast. Breast MRI images are combined, using a computer, to generate detailed pictures.
Breast MRI usually is performed when your doctor needs more information than a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical breast exam can provide. In certain situations, such as when a woman has a very high risk of breast cancer, breast MRI may be used along with mammograms as a screening tool for detecting breast cancer.
References
- MRI of the breast. Radiology Info. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastmr. Accessed May 27, 2011.
- Philpotts LE. Comprehensive breast imaging 2010. Seminars in Roentgenology. 2011;46:7.
- Saslow D, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2007;57:75.
- Yau EJ, et al. The utility of breast MRI as a problem-solving tool. The Breast Journal. 2011;17:273.
- Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 2, 2011.
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