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Mammography has long been the gold standard for detecting breast cancer. However, in some cases, mammography may be accompanied by additional technology. Breast MRI is a new tool being used to detect breast cancer and while it is unlikely to replace mammography, it proves to be a valuable diagnostic technique for some women.

Breast MRI is most often used in patients who have an increased risk for breast cancer and those who are newly diagnosed with the disease. Breast MRI is particularly good at determining the extent of the disease and whether there is disease in the other breast.

Although the technology has been around for a few years, recent advances have greatly improved the quality of images it provides. “The MRI machine uses alternating magnetic gradients in combination with radio waves to image anatomy in really exquisite detail,” says J. Pierre Sasson, MD, Director of MRI at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.

Before getting a breast MRI, the patient is asked a series of questions to make sure it is safe for her to go into the magnetic field. After she has passed screening she is brought into the room and placed on the MRI table on her stomach. The patient is placed onto a portion of the table called the breast coil and an IV is placed into her arm. After set-up is complete, the table is moved into the imaging machine.

During the scan, the MRI unit is able to take pictures. Halfway through the scan, the MRI technologist injects contrast into the patient’s vein and the patient is re-imaged to record the contrast as it moves through the breast tissue. The contrast allows the imaging machine to see tissue that receives a lot of blood flow, which can help determine if the tissue is cancerous.

A typical scan takes about 30 minutes to complete. Results from the scan are sent to the radiologist to interpret at a computer workstation. “We have software that analyzes the results of the MRI,” says Dr. Sasson. “For example, tissue affected by breast cancer will absorb the contrast dye differently than normal breast tissue.”

According to Dr. Sasson, it is still important for women to receive mammograms even if they receive a breast MRI. “Breast MRI should be done in conjunction with mammography,” he says. “Although mammograms can be limited for women with denser breast tissue, MRI is less sensitive in detecting tiny calcifications that can be a marker for cancer.”

At Mount Auburn Hospital, physicians and staff strive to provide the best preventive care for breast cancer. Patients with an increased risk for breast cancer are recommended to have both a mammogram and breast MRI screening on a yearly basis. “We suggest doing the breast MRI six months after the breast mammogram because it allows the patient to be screened every six months,” says Dr. Sasson.

For a free breast self-exam shower card, please call us at 617-499-5094.

Women's Imaging: mammography, breast ultrasound, ultrasound breast biopsy and stereotactic biopsy and programs are accredited by the American College of Radiology. We are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and have a valid certificate of inspection.