Test Overview
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to make pictures of the breast. It does not use X-rays. An MRI may show problems in the breast that can't be seen on a mammogram, ultrasound, or CT scan.
The MRI makes pictures that show your breast's normal structure; tissue damage or disease, such as infection; inflammation; or a lump. An MRI is better than mammography or ultrasound for looking at some breast lumps.
In most cases, a dye (contrast material) may be used so that abnormalities can be seen more clearly from normal breast tissue. The contrast material makes it easier to find problems with increased or abnormal blood flow, such as with some types of cancer or areas of inflammation.
An abbreviated breast MRI is a test that takes less time than a standard MRI. (You might hear it called a "fast MRI.") This test is something your breast cancer screening center may offer.
