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Health Topics from MedlinePlus Select one... Blood, Heart and Circulation Bones, Joints and Muscles Brain and Nerves Digestive System Ear, Nose and Throat Endocrine System Eyes and Vision Immune System Kidneys and Urinary System Lungs and Breathing Mouth and Teeth Skin, Hair and Nails Female Reproductive System Male Reproductive System

Breast Ultrasound & MRI 

Dedicated Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound evaluates the breast tissue using sound waves. A transducer and gel are used to send the sound waves through the breast tissue. These sound waves respond differently to various types of tissue and send signals to the transducer which are then sent to a computer to create am image of the breast tissue. Ultrasound is painless and involves no radiation.

Ultrasound is used in the breast as an adjunct to mammography and physical examination to evaluate certain types of abnormalities such as lumps felt on physical exam or visualized with mammography. Ultrasound can help to determine whether a lump or mass is a benign fluid filled cyst or a solid abnormality which may require further evaluation.

Ultrasound is not used as a screening tool and cannot be used to replace mammography, as calcifications (which are often the earliest sign of cancer) cannot be well visualized using ultrasound.

Breast MRI

Emory Johns Creek Hospital offers breast MRI, which is the newest and most advanced form of breast imaging. MRI uses radio waves to create images of the breast tissue. In addition, Emory Johns Creek Hospital offers CadStream, which is an imaging workstation and computer program with an extensive set of tools for evaluating and analyzing breast MRI images.

Breast MRI is used as an adjunct to mammography and ultrasound for the detection of breast cancer and evaluation of breast implants. MRI is not used as a screening tool, and cannot replace standard mammography, diagnostic mammography, ultrasound or physical examination.

Common uses of Breast MRI include:

• Evaluation of breast implants. MRI is not adversely affected by breast implants or silicone and is a reliable examination for assessment of possible implant rupture.
• Screening of high risk patients with hereditary cancer risk. MRI is a valuable adjunct to mammography and ultrasound for improved detection of breast malignancy.
• Evaluation of size and extent of known cancers, as well as evaluation of possible malignancy in the opposite breast.
• Evaluation of occult cancer. A small percentage of breast cancers have normal breast examinations, mammograms and ultrasounds, but present with abnormal lymph nodes.  MRI can be helpful in locating the cancers in the majority of these cases.
• Evaluation of residual disease following surgical removal of a breast cancer.
• Evaluation of scar versus recurrent breast cancer.
• Evaluation of response to chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.
• Problematic mammogram. In certain cases, MRI may be helpful in cases with equivocal or suspicious mammographic findings. However, detailed mammographic evaluation and ultrasound  should first be performed.

To obtain the best images, when possible, the Breast MRI should be scheduled on day 7-15 of the menstrual cycle.

Although breast MRI is extremely sensitive for detection of breast cancer, it suffers from low specificity. Occasionally, non-cancerous tumors or benign lesions can have MRI characteristics which are suspicious for cancer leading to biopsy.