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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) isMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized many areas of body imaging. As a noninvasive, nonirradiating imaging tool, interest has steadily been developing as to the specific role of MRI in breast imaging, and whether this modality can assist with early detection and hopefully subsequently decrease the mortality of breast cancer.Mammography has long been used for early detection of and screening for breast cancers. With optimal technique and patient conditions, it has a reported sensitivity between 69% and 90% and a specificity between 10% and 40%. Many factors, including density of breast tissue (ie, younger patients, implants, and post surgical state) can affect these values. Ultrasound has been used as an adjunct to mammography, with particular value in differentiating cystic from solid lesions and in facilitating guided biopsy of suspicious areas. However, ultrasound has limitations, including the possibility of missing microcalcifications [associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)] and difficulty in ensuring that the entire breast was imaged with the transducer.

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