Improving diagnostic certainty
Breast MRI
Breast MRI complements breast diagnostics when mammography and ultrasound do not provide a clear diagnosis or when specific issues need to be clarified. It can increase diagnostic certainty and reveal additional tumour sites.
Basics
What is a breast MRI?
Breast MRI (also known as mammary MRI or breast magnetic resonance imaging) is a form of magnetic resonance imaging used specifically to examine the breast. Unlike mammography, MRI does not use X-rays – instead, it uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-resolution cross-sectional images.
To improve image quality, a contrast agent is administered intravenously. This makes active structures such as tumours visible due to their increased blood flow. The scan is carried out whilst the patient is lying on their stomach inside a special breast coil.
Breast MRI with contrast agent is considered the most sensitive method for detecting breast cancer
Also known as: breast MRI · MRI of the breast · breast MRI scan · breast magnetic resonance imaging · MRI mammography · breast MRI
Indications
When is a breast MRI recommended?
Breast MRI is used specifically for high-risk patients and for diagnostic purposes – not as a routine screening test for all women.
BRCA mutation
Women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a very high lifetime risk. Early screening by means of an MRI scan may be advisable.
Family history
MRI is indicated in cases where there is a family history of breast cancer and a calculated lifetime risk of over 20–25 per cent.
Ambiguous findings
If a mammogram or ultrasound reveals a finding that cannot be clearly assessed, an MRI scan may be helpful in clarifying the situation.
Surgical planning
Before breast-conserving surgery, an MRI scan shows the exact extent of a tumour and any other possible lesions.
Treatment monitoring
For monitoring progress during neoadjuvant chemotherapy – can provide information on how well the tumour is responding to treatment.
Effectiveness
How safe is a breast MRI scan?
When other imaging techniques fail to provide a clear diagnosis, breast MRI can provide important additional information. It aids diagnosis and helps to assess the extent of a tumour more accurately. Furthermore, breast MRI with contrast medium is the most sensitive method for detecting breast cancer.
MRI also has its strengths when it comes to microcalcifications, which are typically better visualised on mammography: it shows the vascularisation and extent of lesions that appear flat on mammography.
Note: Breast MRI is a complementary examination and is used in specific clinical scenarios to increase diagnostic certainty.
Preparation & Cycle
Ideally, the breast MRI should be carried out during the second half of your cycle (days 7–14 after the start of your period), as the glandular tissue absorbs less contrast agent at this time. Please let us know your cycle details when booking your appointment.
Venous access
An intravenous cannula is inserted, through which the contrast agent (gadolinium) is administered. The contrast agent is well tolerated and is excreted via the kidneys.
Storage & Examination
You will lie face down on a special table with cut-outs for your chest (breast coil). The MRI scanner will make tapping noises during the examination, which lasts around 20–30 minutes – we will be with you behind a glass partition for the entire time.
Findings & Report
Our radiologists will assess the images and draw up a written report. The findings will be discussed with you and/or forwarded directly to your gynaecologist.
FAQ
Questions patients ask about breast MRI scans
Whether the health insurance fund covers the costs depends on the medical indication.
- Coverage by statutory health insurance where indicated: The GKV will cover the costs in cases of a confirmed BRCA mutation, a high-risk family screening programme, or a medically justified indication. A referral from your gynaecologist is required. Please discuss the medical indication with your treating doctor in advance.
- Approx. €300–600 as a self-paying patient: If there is no statutory health insurance indication, you can have the breast MRI as an individual health service (IGeL). Private patients will be invoiced in accordance with the GOÄ. Please contact us for further details.
