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Dorothy G. Hoefer Comprehensive Breast Center
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
 Current radiology has seen the rise of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an integral part of breast health care. As the technology has advanced, research has increased and the radiologist's expertise with this modality has increased, MRI stand at the forefront of patient care.
Current indications for this modality include surgical planning for the breast cancer patient, evaluation of high-risk patients, evaluation of breast implants, and a more detailed analysis of inconclusive mammograms and ultrasounds.
Magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to make pictures of the breast. MRI may show problems in the breast that cannot be seen on an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.
The MRI records pictures that show your breast's normal structure; tissue damage or disease, such as infection; inflammation; or a lump. MRI is better than mammography or ultrasound for looking at some breast lumps.
In some cases, a dye (contrast material) may be used so that abnormalities in the breast tissue can be seen more clearly. The dye makes it easier to find problems with blood flow, find some types of cancer, and find areas of inflammation.
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