Rochester Regional Health offers the full spectrum of breast imaging, including breast MRI. Used in addition (not as a replacement) to a mammogram, a breast MRI captures about 1,000 images of the breast, which are combined using a computer, to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the breast.
A breast MRI is typically used to determine your risk or extent of a breast cancer diagnosis, or to detect a suspected leak or rupture of a breast implant. Typically, a contrast (special dye) is injected to help create clearer images that highlight abnormalities more easily.
Benefits: Can help with further evaluation of abnormalities found by a mammogram. Can help detect breast cancer in women with breast implants and those with dense breast tissue or a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Risks: A highly sensitive exam, which may identify suspicious areas that, after further evaluation with additional imaging, may turn out to be harmless or benign. In rare cases (about 1 patient in 100,000), allergic reactions may result from the contrast used.
