MRI Procedure

Patients are asked to disrobe and put on a traditional hospital gown before lying on a table outside of the MRI machine. Once you are flat and comfortable, the table will move inside the machine. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time. It is very important that you remain calm and as still as possible during the scans so that clear images are produced.

The images will then be displayed electronically on a computer monitor and electronically copied to your medical records. Your doctor is able to get a detailed look at the area of concern to determine the presence of certain diseases that may not show as easily with other imaging methods (i.e. ultrasound, x-ray, or CAT scan.)

MRIs are performed on the breast to obtain valuable information about different conditions that often do not show with an ultrasound or mammogram. An MRI does not replace those types of imaging tests but rather is used as a supplement. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, your doctor might order an MRI in addition to an ultrasound and mammogram.