Mammograms use x-rays to generate images of the breast tissue to search for cancer. A breast MRI is a different imaging technique that captures multiple cross-sectional pictures of your breast without any radiation exposure. Breast MRI does not replace a mammogram, but is an additional screening tool used for women at high-risk of developing breast cancer.

Women who are at high-risk for breast cancer should consider being screened using breast MRI, along with their annual mammogram. Women are considered high-risk if they have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, received chest radiation for Hodgkins disease, or have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer. Breast MRI may also be recommended for women who have an increased risk of breast cancer due to prior history of breast cancer, prior high-risk benign biopsy, or dense breast tissue. Your doctor can help you determine your personal risk level and if breast MRI is appropriate for you.

Before Your Exam: MRI exams generally require little or no special preparation. Unless your physician specifies otherwise, it is okay to eat and drink prior to your exam. Jewelry, watches and other objects containing metal should be taken off prior to the exam, as they can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI equipment. Please avoid wearing makeup to your exam as well, since some cosmetics contain metal.

Time Required for Your Exam: MRI exams generally last 30-45 minutes, but some can take up to an hour.

Who Performs Your Exam: A certified MRI Technologist will perform your exam.

During Your Exam: As the scan begins, you will lay down on a padded table that gently slides you into the opening of the MRI machine. During the scan, you will hear knocking and buzzing, but these sounds are normal and should not worry you. We will give you earplugs so that the noise will not bother you. In order to obtain the highest quality images possible, it is important that you relax and lay still throughout the entire process.

After Your Exam: A radiologist will analyze the images obtained during your MRI and send a written report to your doctor, typically within 48 hours.

This procedure can be performed at either Adventist Medical Center or here at Gresham Imaging Center.