Services

Breast MRIBreast MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast

MRI is a technique using a very strong magnet and radio waves to pick up signals from the breast tissue. Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art equipment including a dedicated bilateral breast surface coil and a special computer-assisted detection (CAD) program designed for the processing and interpretation of Breast MRI images. The patient lies face-down within the scanning field for approximately 25 minutes. The primary way abnormal tissue is seen on MRI is because it has more blood flow than the surrounding tissue. The difference in blood flow is detected by taking images before and after infusion of an intravenous contrast agent, gadolinium, which goes to areas of increased blood flow. Breast MRI is most useful in detecting breast cancer and also in evaluating breast implants. Breast MRI is often employed in patients with a known breast cancer in whom there is a question about the extent of the disease. Other medical indications for breast MRI are evolving and are the subject of many studies around the country.

MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy. If a lesion is detected only on a Breast MRI exam, a needle biopsy can be performed using MRI guidance. This is done in the MRI suite using a technique similar to other breast biopsies. It can be performed comfortably and in under an hour.