For Patients
Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields instead of X rays. MRI creates very clear images of breast tissue and tumor size.
MRI is not used for every patient. It may be needed to check:
- Patients with a breast cancer gene mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.27
- Patients with a first degree relative with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. First-degree relatives are a parent, sibling, or child.27
- Unclear finding on mammogram or ultrasound78
- The tumor before surgery
- The breast before and after chemotherapy
- Breast implants for issues
You have to lie on your abdomen and still in an enclosed machine for an MRI. This may bother people who are afraid of small spaces.
Keeping You Informed
An MRI may help find early invasive breast cancer. This includes inherited breast cancers. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer may need further screening. This means those who have a first-degree relative with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Additional screening may include an MRI and a mammogram every year. A mammogram may be less sensitive than MRI in finding breast cancer for women with the mutation.28