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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 images of your breast. Breast MRI images are combined, using a computer, to generate detailed pictures.
Breast MRI usually is performed after you have a biopsy that's positive for cancer, and your doctor needs more information about the extent of the disease. In certain situations, such as for women with high risk of breast cancer, breast MRI may be used with mammograms as a screening tool for detecting breast cancer.
References
- MRI of the breast. RadiologyInfo.org. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastmr. Accessed June 6, 2013.
- Manual on contrast media v9. American College of Radiology. http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Resources/Contrast-Manual. Accessed June 6, 2013.
- Slanetz PJ. MRI of the breast and emerging technologies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 6, 2013.
- 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.
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