MRI (magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance tomography)

Magnetic resonance imaging is a "slice examination" in which no X-rays are used.

The entire cross-section of the breast is imaged in thin, high-resolution slices.

For the examination, the patient is placed in a prone position in an examination tube. The examination takes about 20 minutes. It is important that the patient remains very still during this time, as even the slightest movements can reduce the image quality and therefore the assessability.

During the examination, an MRI contrast agent is administered intravenously; this is a non-iodine-containing contrast agent that rarely causes allergies and should only not be used if kidney function is severely impaired.

Breast MRI is a very sensitive method and can help to detect breast cancer even at an early stage. This is why this examination is the most important method for the early detection of breast cancer in "intensive early detection" for women with a high familial risk of breast cancer.

However, many benign findings, such as those caused by hormones, can also lead to accumulations of contrast medium. In such cases, this can be clarified by a follow-up examination or a biopsy (tissue sample).

The MRI should be performed between the 7th and 14th day of the menstrual cycle to minimize hormonal influences as far as possible.