Breast MRI & Fast Breast MRI
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Regular mammograms find breast cancers in most women. But you may need a more advanced scan. A breast MRI reveals more than a typical mammogram.
At UVA, we offer two types of breast MRIs:
- Conventional Breast MRI, for women at high risk for breast cancer
- Fast Breast MRI, for women at average risk with dense breast tissue
Regular mammograms use X-rays. A breast MRI uses magnetic waves and IV dye to take 3D pictures of the breast.
Our radiologists have a high level of special training in breast imaging. This makes them experts in recognizing cancer at the earliest stage possible.
Types of Breast MRIs
At UVA Health, we offer two types of breast MRIs: conventional and fast. Both types create clear pictures of any changes in your breast tissue. Both catch cancers missed by regular mammograms. But which MRI you need depends on your risk and your breast tissue.
For Women with a High Breast Cancer Risk: Conventional Breast MRI
A conventional breast MRI screens women at high risk for breast cancer. The procedure takes about 45 minutes. We recommend you get this screening:
- No matter your breast tissue density
- Every year
- In addition to your regular mammogram
These detailed, in-depth scans have high sensitivity for detecting cancer. They can find breast cancer missed by regular mammograms.
For Average-Risk Women with Dense Breast Tissue: Fast Breast MRI
Mammograms are 30-40% less sensitive in women with dense breast tissue. This makes some cancers more difficult to see.
Quick and painless, fast breast MRI takes about 10 minutes. It doesn’t replace regular mammograms. But your doctor may recommend this as an extra screening tool.
Your doctor may recommend this if you have both:
- Dense breast tissue
- An average breast cancer risk
What if the Radiologist Sees Something Abnormal?
The radiologist may recommend additional testing, such conventional breast MRI, 3D mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy.
Fast Breast MRI at UVA
UVA offers Fast Breast MRI to women with dense breast tissue who are at an average breast cancer risk. Fast Breast MRI is a quick and convenient way to find cancer around the dense breast tissue.
We are very excited to introduce Fast Breast MRI to our patients here at UVA. Fast Breast MRI is a supplemental breast cancer screening tool for women that are at average risk that have dense breast tissue. We've known for a long time that dense breast tissue can lower sensitivity for mammography. It can decrease our ability to see a cancer when it's surrounded by dense tissue. Currently Fast Breast MRI is for women that are average risk, women that are known to be high-risk because they carry a genetic mutation or have had a history of atypia or significant family history or history of chest radiation. Those high-risk patients should continue to receive a full breast MRI. The patient experience for Fast MRI should be very quick and convenient. So patients should expect to arrive at the facility where they're going to have their MRI performed. They will have an IV and they will get IV contrast dye. They lay on their stomach for the exam, but the exam time is very short. It's less than 10 minutes that we can acquire all the images needed to do this supplemental screening. If patients are wondering if Fast Breast MRI is right for them, talk to your referring doctor. Your doctor can talk to you about your breast density and your breast cancer risk and determine if this is the right test for you.
Getting a Breast MRI
For both types of breast MRI, you'll get injected with IV dye. You'll then lie flat in an MRI machine while we take scans.
Inside the MRI machine, you’ll be in a narrow, enclosed tube. The machine makes a loud banging noise. To make you feel more comfortable, we can offer:
- Headphones or earplugs
- Preparation about what to expect
You can also speak to your primary care provider about taking a sedative to help you relax.
Ask Your Provider About Breast MRI
When it comes to breast cancer, you want the screening that best fits your situation. Talk to your provider about whether a breast MRI makes sense for you.