Valley Radiology Consultants

Breast MRI

 

Valley Radiology Consultants and the Women's Imaging Center at 4S Ranch are committed to providing the best preventative, diagnostic and treatment planning services to women. 

 

Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive imaging study that is highly sensitive in the detection and characterization of breast cancer. It does not replace the use of mammography or breast ultrasound, but is used as an adjunct imaging tool. The American College of Radiology has established guidelines on the current acceptable uses for breast MRI, including:

 

• Annual screening in women with a high risk of developing breast cancer

  • These are typically women with a strong family history or with a personal history of breast cancer

• To evaluate the extent of disease in women with a new diagnosis of breast cancer

• To assess for treatment response in women undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy

• For further evaluation of clinical or imaging findings

 

In general, Breast MRI is more sensitive to early invasive breast cancers; however, it can also make normal/benign breast tissue appear abnormal (false positive). We currently perform Breast MRI at both our Poway and Escondido locations. Breast MRI-guided biopsies are performed at our Poway location.