A breast MRI is an MRI scan performed using special breast coils (antennas) in MRI machines. During this scan, a contrast agent that colors the tumor is administered intravenously to the patient to identify cancers.

A breast MRI is frequently used to further detail suspicious findings detected on mammography or ultrasound, or to determine the extent of a detected cancer in that breast and the opposite breast.

A breast MRI is used as a screening test for patients at high risk of developing breast cancer due to personal or family history (e.g., a first-degree relative with breast cancer).

A breast MRI is the most sensitive method for detecting breast cancer early. However, due to its complexity and cost, it is not used as a screening test for women at normal risk.