Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Breast MRI at UVM Health

If you are at high risk for developing breast cancer, breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) provides you and your provider with an additional imaging method to better screen your breast tissue for cancer, or to take a closer look at areas of concern.

Breast MRI safely uses a powerful magnet and radio frequency pulses to produce detailed images without the radiation exposure of mammography.

Our skilled MRI technologists focus not only on capturing the highest quality images but also on keeping you comfortable throughout the breast imaging exam.

A radiologist talks to a patient who is laying down on a bed.

Why Choose UVM Health?

At University of Vermont Health, our state-of-the-art breast MRI program offers:

Experienced breast MRI team: Our breast imaging radiologists have completed specific breast MRI training, ensuring your imaging test will always be read by a knowledgeable expert.
Leading-edge equipment: We perform breast MRI exams as well as MRI-guided breast biopsies using the latest technology specifically designed for breast imaging procedures.
More options for patient comfort: We offer wide bore MRI scanners that have larger openings, making them less confining and more spacious than standard closed MRI units. Comfortable for patients of all shapes and sizes, this equipment produces superior quality imaging compared to open MRI machines.

Conditions We Evaluate with Breast MRI

Breast MRI provides different information than mammography exams and breast ultrasounds. Sometimes, a breast MRI reveals breast abnormalities not found by other imaging tests. This exam may be used to evaluate breast symptoms after an initial workup with mammography and/or ultrasound is performed for patients with breast symptoms such as:

Tenderness
Discharge
Swelling
New lumps

If you have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer, your provider may order a breast MRI to further evaluate the extent of your disease.

The American Cancer Society recommends annual breast MRI exams to supplement regular mammography screening for women at higher risk for breast cancer (those with an estimated lifetime risk of 20 percent or greater).

Your provider can help you determine your risk for breast cancer, which depends on many factors including your family history, past radiation therapy and breast density. People who have a breast cancer gene mutation (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) are at greatly increased risk for breast cancer.

For more information about genetics and cancer, contact the Cancer Genetics & Prevention Program.

What to Expect from a Breast MRI Exam

There are no dietary restrictions required prior to your breast MRI exam. You may eat and drink normally. Because of the powerful magnet used in the procedure, for your safety you will need to remove any metallic objects, such as jewelry, dentures and hearing aids, before entering the scanning room.

Your technologist may need to insert a small IV into a vein in your hand or arm, which will be used to inject contrast dye that will enhance the images we capture.

The MRI unit is a large, cylinder-shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet. You will lie on your stomach on a motorized, moveable table that slides into the scanner. The MRI machine makes loud thumping noises during the imaging process. You will be provided with ear protection to help reduce the noise and increase your overall comfort.

During the exam, you must lie still for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Subtle movements can blur MRI images, making it more difficult for the breast imaging radiologist interpreting your test to provide an accurate diagnosis. Your MRI technologist will be in constant communication with you through an intercom system. If at any point you have a question or a concern, they will be able to hear you and quickly come to your assistance.

Requesting Your Images

Use the Radiology Image Record Request form to request your imaging records.

When your request has been completed and ready for review, you will receive an email from Nuance Powershare with instructions on how to create an account. Additionally, you will receive a MyChart message containing your token code to access your images.

Awards & Certifications

American College of Radiology

UVM Medical Center’s breast MRI program meets the rigorous accreditation requirements of the American College of Radiology, ensuring excellence in everything we do.

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Many of our staff MRI technologists hold credentials from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This national credentialing body recognizes qualified imaging professionals who meet the highest standards of breast MR imaging practices in the care of patients.