Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast — or breast MRI — is a test used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast. It captures multiple pictures of your breast and then combines the images on a computer to generate a detailed report. Breast MRI to detect cancer requires injection of a contrast agent but does not emit radiation.
We may recommend a breast MRI when we require 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 along with mammograms as a screening tool for detecting breast cancer.
MRI is also used to detect breast implant integrity. An implant rupture, especially if it’s a silicone implant, can be difficult to identify. MRI is the imaging modality of choice for detecting a rupture.
Meet Our Breast Health Care Team
The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center brings you some of the finest breast health and cancer care in Southern California.