Breast MRI, the examination that detects cancer even when mammography fails

Magnetic Resonance Mammography, also known as Breast MRI, is currently the most sensitive and reliable method for diagnosing breast cancer. Internationally, it is recognized as the imaging test capable of accurately detecting even the smallest lesions that may be missed by traditional mammography or ultrasound.

One of the main advantages of MRI is that it does not use ionizing radiation, making it completely safe to perform multiple times when necessary. During the procedure, an intravenous contrast agent is used it is safe and rarely associated with side effects.

This test is particularly recommended for women at high risk for breast cancer such as those with a strong family history of the disease, genetic mutations linked to higher risk (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2), or who have undergone chest radiotherapy at a young age. In these cases, breast MRI is considered the first-line screening method for early detection.

The examination is also valuable for clarifying suspicious findings seen on mammography or ultrasound, as well as for follow-up of patients who have undergone surgery or radiotherapy. Additionally, it is recommended as a complementary screening method every 1–2 years for women with dense breast tissue, where traditional mammography may not provide clear results.

For accurate results, the timing of the examination is important. Women of reproductive age are advised to schedule it between the 7th and 14th day of their menstrual cycle, while postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy should stop treatment 6–8 weeks before the procedure.

As with any MRI scan, possible contraindications must be ruled out, such as incompatible cardiac pacemakers, metallic implants in vital areas, or severe claustrophobia. If necessary, the examination can be performed under mild sedation.

Magnetic Resonance Mammography also plays a key role for women with silicone breast implants, as it is the most accurate method for assessing implant integrity and detecting possible ruptures or other complications.

In recent decades, this method has significantly contributed to determining the most appropriate treatments for patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer, by precisely identifying additional disease sites that other imaging techniques may fail to detect.

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