Breast MRI

Breast MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging,

is a non-invasive way of viewing the breast without the use of x-rays. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves together with a computer to create cross-sectional, three-dimensional pictures of the breast.

MRI of the breast is not a replacement for

mammography

 or ultrasound imaging, but rather is a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.

Medical studies now show

breast MRI

 can contribute to the early detection of, and prevention of, deaths from

breast cancer

. Recent research has demonstrated that MRI can detect some small

breast lesions

sometimes missed by

mammography

.

Breast MRI

, with contrast injection, can find cancers that are not seen on a

mammogram

 or more rarely on

breast ultrasound screening

. Breast MRI is now indicated in young women at high risk for breast cancer.

Breast MRI is also indicated in patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer particularly if they have dense breast tissue or cancers difficult to see on a mammogram.

If it is recommended that you have a breast MRI procedure and would like

Dr. Barclay-White

 or Dr. Baker to read the exam, we suggest that you have the study done at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix or at Sun Imaging in Peoria, Arizona. All breast MRIs at both locations are read by our radiologists here at Breastnet.

• Personal Information
• Insurance Information
• Order from your Primary Care Physician (Example: Family Physician, OBGYN, etc.)
• All recent mammograms, breast ultrasounds and previous breast MRI films as well as all reports including previous biopsy and pathology reports. You do not need these items at the time of your MRI if these were done at Breastnet. If you are menstruating, you must schedule your MRI between day 5 - 8 of your menstrual cycle. Day 1 is the 1st day of flow.
• Please allow enough time for insurance authorization.