Breast MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the breast is a noninvasive method to create detailed pictures of the breast and surrounding tissues. It may be done in combination with mammography or ultrasound. However, it is not a replacement for mammography.
MR imaging of the breast is performed to:
- Assess multiple tumor locations, especially prior to breast conservation surgery
- Identify early breast cancer not detected through other means, especially in women with dense breast tissue and those at high risk for the disease
- Evaluate abnormalities detected by mammography or ultrasound
- Distinguish between scar tissue and recurrent tumors
- Determine whether cancer detected by mammography, ultrasound, or after surgical biopsy has spread further in the breast or into the chest wall
- Assess the effect of chemotherapy
- Provide additional information on diseased breast to make treatment decisions
- Determine the integrity of breast implants
Without contrast material, an MRI of the breast can show:
- Breast tissue density
- Cysts
- Enlarged ducts
- Hematomas
- Leaking or ruptured breast implants
- The presence of enlarged lymph nodes
By comparing breast images taken before and after contrast material injection, an MRI exam can determine:
- If there are breast abnormalities
- Whether an abnormality looks benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)
- The size and location of any abnormality that looks malignant
To schedule an exam call the Radiology Department of Bell Hospital at (906)485-2632 or (906)485-2631
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