Breast MRI does not replace mammography, but complements it. All breast MRI studies should be interpreted and correlated with a recent mammogram and often with a recent sonomammography.
Any breast MRI study intended to detect breast cancer or other pathology requires the injection of intravenous gadolinium contrast. Both breasts should be studied routinely since this modality detects cancer that is not clinically suspected in other breast studies in the breast as opposed to the one that is suspected or has already been documented to have a problem. It also detects cancer in other areas of the breast where cancer is suspected or already documented. This information may change the type of treatment to be followed. If there has been a mastectomy, total or partial, residual tissue, including the anterior chest wall, should be included.
Image 1
Large red arrowed mass in the right breast represents primary cancer
Image 2
Multiple small masses in the left breast represent much more extensive multicentric cancer than this patient's mammography suggested. The opposite breast also showed a small cancer invisible by mammography. Both breasts should be studied routinely, not just the breast of concern
Image 3
Ring-shaped, contrast-colored lesion on the back of the right breast represents an abscess (infection). Not all breast lumps are cancerous
Image 4
Patient had left breast cancer treated with lumpectomy and radiation presents with palpable mass near surgical scar. Breast MRI shows an irregular lesion that captures contrast in the front and outside of the left breast extending to the skin. Biopsy was positive for local recurrence
Image 5
Same patient image 4 demonstrated the extent of this recurrent cancer unfolded from another angle, sagittal or lateral perspective
Image 6
Intact breast implants with no evidence of rupture MRI is the modality par excellence for the detection of intracapsular and extracapsular breast implant ruptures
Image 7
Breast implants with evidence of intracapsular rupture The black wavy lines recall the appearance of the linguine paste strips as they are formally named when reported in radiology reports
