Breast MRI, with and without contrast

A breast MRI is a diagnostic procedure that uses a strong magnet and high-end imaging techniques to take very detailed pictures that allow the evaluation of the anatomy of the breast tissue. Some common reasons for a breast MRI include breast cancer screening in high-risk patients, evaluation of silicone breast implant integrity, or follow-up after breast cancer treatment. Contrast involves the injection of a substance known as gadolinium, which enhances the appearance of abnormal tissues. This provides an additional layer of information for defining the diagnosis.