Breast MRI

Breast MRI is used to screen high risk patients with a strong family history of breast cancer or other risk factors including prior history of certain breast cancers and history of the BRCA breast cancer gene.

Breast MRI is performed with a dedicated high resolution Breast MRI Coil.  Breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the breasts.  This is the most sensitive exam for breast cancer evaluation.

What to expect:

The exam is performed with patient lying face down with head resting comfortably on a pillow.  Breast MRI takes 35-45 minutes.  For breast cancer evaluation a small injection of IV contrast will be administered during the exam.  Music is provided during the examination through headphones.

Breast MRI to evaluate breast implants take about 25-30 minutes and does not require contrast injection.

Each patient is provided their own private locked dressing room which has an area to hang their clothing. We ask that patients do not enter the scanning room with jewelry, watches, keys, coins or other metal objects. Credit card and ATM card magnetic codes will be erased by the MRI’s magnetic field if brought into the room.

Please make sure to notify your doctor, our scheduling department or your technician if you have any implanted medical device or metallic shrapnel in your body.