What is a breast MRI ?

Breast MRI is a relatively recent technology that has revolutionized the breast imaging world. It provides a comprehensive, complete and extremely detailed visualization of the breasts and adjacent structures. It can detect lesions that are not visible with mammography or ultrasound. This technique is now utilized for breast cancer screening in patients with strong genetic and family histories of breast cancer (more than 20% lifetime risk). See the risk assessment tool from the National Cancer Institute.

Detectable pathologies with breast MRI

MRI: an important role in breast cancer screening. Anomalies detected by mammography during screening campaigns only correspond to 10% of cancer cases. Using gadolinium, a contrast medium, MRI has proven to be decisive in making a diagnosis.

If the lesion is suspected to be malignant, a combination of mammography and MRI would make it possible to detect nearly 95% of breast cancer in women. It is therefore a powerful and promising technology, since the earlier the tumour is detected, the greater the chances of recovery.

Pathologies that are detectable using breast MRI

• Fibrocystic breast disease
• Fibroadenoma
• Malignant lesion
• Integrity of breast prosthesis
• Characterization of lesions that are not detectable with ultrasound or mammography

Breast MRI procedure

The patient lies down on her stomach on the machine. Gadolinium, a contrast medium, will be administered intravenously. You must keep still throughout the exam, which lasts about 30-45 minutes.

It is important to bring the duly completed doctor’s referral. It is also important to bring your previous mammogram films. The radiologist will want to look at them during the interpretation of your MRI. You can pick them up the next day or we can return them to you by mail, whichever you prefer.

When to have a breast MRI ?

The menstrual cycle must be taken into account. The exam is done between the 7th and 14th day of the cycle. In post-menopausal women, hormones must not be taken for a period of 6 weeks.

Results

Your exam results will be sent to your doctor within 48-72 hours following your exam. We do not provide results over the phone.