Breast MRI

What is a breast MRI?

Breast MRI is not mammography, which provides an X-ray image of the breast. A
breast MRI is a non-invasive procedure that can provide thousands of images of
breast tissue, allowing physicians a highly detailed and comprehensive view of the 
breasts, all without the compression of the breast. Computer-aided detection software flags suspicious areas of the MRI images and alerts the radiologist reviewing the scans.

Who should have a breast MRI?

For the majority of women, traditional mammography provides sufficient screening
for breast cancer. However, there are some women for whom the added breast
MRI procedure makes sense including:

• Women recently diagnosed with breast cancer
• Women with a previous history of cancer
• Women at high risk for breast cancer
• Women with a family history (sister, mother, grandmother)
• Women who are BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers
• Women who have implants or scar tissue that might jeopardize an accurate result from a mammogram

More than a machine

To provide the best care to our patients, we work closely with physicians and staff
from the St.Vincent oncology and imaging departments. Breast MRI at St.Vincent is more than just the use of a machine or a piece of technology. It is one more way in which we fulfill our commitment to the Spirit of Caring. All of our breast MRI technologists have received specialized training. And the radiology physicians who review and evaluate images produced by each scan all specialize in breast MRI.

What to expect from a breast MRI

Because hormones can change breast tissue, there are optimal times to schedule your breast MRI based on your menstrual cycle. Please talk to your physician about this when scheduling your appointment.

Your procedure will take place on the first floor of the Physicians Medical Plaza, 8550 Naab Road, Suite 100. Please bring any previous mammography films with you. If your previous mammograms were performed at a St.Vincent location, we will already have copies of your films. The total length of the test, including set up and evaluation, may range from 45 to 90 minutes.

To learn more or to schedule a breast MRI, please call (317) 338-3224.