Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Breast

Breast MRI

Test Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 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 most cases, a contrast material (dye) may be used so that abnormalities can be seen more clearly from normal breast tissue. The contrast material makes it easier to find problems with increased or abnormal blood flow, such as some types of cancer, and areas of inflammation.

MRI is a safe and valuable test for looking at the breast, but it has a high rate of false-positive results, and it is more costly than other methods and is not available in all hospitals. If you need an MRI scan, you may need to travel to a regional centre.

See pictures of a standard MRI machine and an open MRI machine.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA Brenda Vanden Beld, RN, MSN, MBA	Last Updated: May 21, 2008
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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