What are some common uses for MRI of the Breast?
MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities. Medical studies are currently being conducted to determine whether MRI and other imaging methods can contribute to the early detection and prevention of deaths from breast cancer. MR imaging of the breast is performed to: • evaluate abnormalities detected by mammography. • identify early breast cancer not detected through other means, especially in women with dense breast tissue and those at high risk for the disease. • screen for cancer in women who have implants or scar tissue that might jeopardize an accurate result from a mammogram. • determine the integrity of breast implants. • distinguish between scar tissue and recurrent tumors. • assess multiple tumor locations. • look for multiple tumors prior to breast conservation surgery. • determine whether cancer detected by mammography or ultrasound has spread
