Using MRI to Detect Breast Cancer

Q & A with Dr. Terry Tyler

Nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully, if detected early. While some breast cancer risk factors cannot be changed--such as age or family history--regular screenings can help detect breast cancer in the initial stages when more treatment options are available.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends mammography and clinical breast examinations as effective ways to detect breast cancer early on. While the evidence supporting mammogram screening remains substantial, doctors are now selectively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect abnormalities in breast tissue. Terry Tyler, M.D., radiologist and chief outpatient diagnostics officer for Owensboro Medical Health System, weighs in on what women need to know.

Q: How does MRI work?
MRI uses a high-powered magnet and radio waves to capture images inside the body. It does not use radiation. The patient lies on a table, which is placed inside a special tube. Internal images are then sent to a computer so doctors can view images inside the body. Patients with pacemakers and some other metal implants are not candidates for any type of MRI.

Q: What can women expect when getting a breast MRI?
When MRI is used to scan breast tissue, the woman lies on her stomach in a special receiver for 30-40 minutes. The screening also includes injecting contrast material to illuminate any abnormalities.

Q: Who should consider MRI to examine breast tissue?
MRI can be used to for screening or diagnosis. The ACS recommends annual breast MRI in addition to mammography for women at high risk of breast cancer, which includes those with a strong family history of breast cancer and women who have tested positive for a breast cancer gene mutation. Other women who should consider MRI include those with a history of breast cancer and women with dense breasts or implants.

Q: Is MRI better than mammography?
MRI is the most sensitive diagnostic tool for breast cancer detection. However, MRI is not perfect. Some cancers can be seen with mammography but not MRI, so mammography is still needed. Breast MRI can detect abnormalities that turn out to be noncancerous about 30 percent of the time, but can require additional testing and possibly biopsy. Check with your insurance company to make sure MRI is covered.

This article was published in Vim & Vigor magazine, Fall 2010 edition.