Women at high risk for breast cancer may benefit from a magnetic resonance imaging screening in addition to a yearly mammogram. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended for women who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer because they can develop cancer earlier than women at average risk.  

MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the breast, rather than X-rays used for mammograms. A contrast material may be injected to more clearly show breast tissue details. While MRI is more sensitive to detecting cancer, it may have a higher false/positive rate, showing an area as suspicious that is actually benign breast tissue.  The use of CAD, computer aided detection, may minimize this. CAD is offered at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital on all Breast MRI procedures.  

MRI can detect additional cancerous areas in the breast or discover cancer in the opposite breast that was missed during a mammogram or ultrasound. MRI may also show when a tumor is actually larger than expected. MRI could benefit women with dense breasts because it can detect cancers that may be difficult to see on mammography or identify very small lesions that may not be visualized on a mammogram or ultrasound.  

For the approximately five to 10 percent of women who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer, a yearly mammogram beginning at age 30 as well as a MRI screening is recommended. Recent studies have shown that an MRI could change the treatment plan for high-risk women if additional cancer is detected or if the cancer has been found to spread. Additional surgery may not be necessary to remove cancerous cells left behind when a tumor is removed if the first surgery is aggressive enough based on MRI findings.