Breast MRI at The Women’s Imaging Center
What Is an MRI of the Breast?
Breast MRI is an imaging technology that uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed 3D images of the breasts. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) converts the magnetic and radio signals to images for a radiologist to interpret. A breast MRI can help distinguish normal tissues from injured or pathologic tissues. As a diagnostic scan, it can help uncover the reason for a complaint or symptom.
Why Are Breast MRIs Performed?
Breast MRI is generally a supplemental exam that provides additional information after another imaging test, such as a mammogram or breast ultrasound. We use breast MRI to:
Screen for breast cancer in high-risk patients
Evaluate symptoms
Determine the extent of breast cancer
Breast MRIs provide a more detailed look at the breasts for preventive or diagnostic purposes. Sometimes a breast MRI is performed as a preventative imaging scan in high-risk women with a strong family history of breast cancer. These women may undergo regular MRI screening to look for subtle differences that may represent cancer. A Preventative Breast MRI (Breast MRI Screening) because of family history or genetic risk factors usually requires authorization from your insurance company. MRI for immediate treatment care in women with a new cancer diagnosis may not require insurance authorization.
Breast MRI is also used as a diagnostic imaging radiology exam. It can evaluate the extent of disease in patients with a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Contrast MRI imaging looks for additional breast cancers within either breast. This examination can be invaluable for surgeons as it provides a detailed map before surgery.
It's important to know that mammograms should be the first approach to breast imaging, and the MRI is a supplemental imaging scan.
Interpreting Your Breast MRI
How a Breast MRI Is Performed
A breast MRI is not always the right choice for all patients. Before we proceed with an MRI, The Women's Imaging Center will determine if this exam is best for you. Breast MRIs typically take between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on a few factors, such as the complexity of imaging or imaging sequences or whether you will need contrast dye.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breast MRIs
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With multiple location across the Denver area, we make it easy for you to find a “Women’s Imaging Center near me” or a “Medical Diagnostic Imaging Center near me”
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