Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast — or breast MRI — is a test used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast.

A breast MRI captures multiple images of your breast. Breast MRI images are combined, using a computer, to create detailed pictures.

A breast MRI usually is performed after you have a biopsy that's positive for cancer. Breast MRI can show your health care provider the extent of the disease.

Breast MRI also may be used with mammography as a screening tool for detecting breast cancer in some people. This includes women with a high risk of breast cancer, who have a strong family history of breast cancer or who have hereditary breast cancer gene changes.