Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get StartedDefinition
By Mayo Clinic staffMagnetic 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 as a screening tool for detecting breast cancer.
- MRI of the breast. Radiology Info. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastmr. Accessed May 5, 2009.
- El Khouli RH, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. Seminars in Roentgenology. 2008;43:265.
- Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 13, 2009.