For women with a high risk of breast cancer - both survivors themselves and those who have a strong family history or genetic predisposition- breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can be an important tool for detecting and staging cancer and other abnormalities.
While mammography is still considered the most effective screening tool for breast cancer in most women, MRI of the breast can offer valuable information such as size, extent and location of cancers. While most locations of cancers are found through conventional means such as mammograms, ultrasounds and physical exams, breast MRI can be used to evaluate abnormalities, assess multiple tumor locations, identify early breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue, implants or scar tissue, and assess the effects of cancer treatments.
During the procedure, a patient lies on her stomach into a recess containing a signal receiver. The bed is advanced into a tube-like machine, during which the patient must remain still for intervals of 15 minutes. The MRI system is able to achieve multiple views without any re-orientation of the breasts, unlike mammography. The exam produces multiple images of the breast in cross-sections in three directions. A radiologist will then analyze the results.
Breast MRI Locations:
Dorothy G. Hoefer Comprehensive Breast Center at Port Warwick, Newport News
Sentara WIlliamsburg Comprehensive Breast Center
Sentara Leigh Comprehensive Breast Center, Norfolk
Sentara Norfolk Breast Center
Sentara Obici Breast Centerl, Suffolk
Sentara Virginia Beach Breast Center
For more information, visit RadiologyInfo, a public information web site developed and funded by the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America.