Your doctor has recommended you for an MRI of your breast. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create detailed image slices (cross sections) of the breast. MRI technology produces good soft-tissue images and allows the physician to evaluate different types of body tissue as well as distinguish normal, healthy tissue from diseased tissue. It can also examine an implant for any damage or deterioration. Our team of subspecialty imaging physicians, nurses and technologists is headed by Rola Saouaf, MD, Chief of Body and Cardiac MRI.

Please let us know before you schedule your study whether you are pregnant or nursing, and/or if you have a magnetic expander implant or a pacemaker.

For optimal image quality, please schedule your Breast MRI seven to 10 days after the first day of your menstrual cycle.

If you are on hormone replacement therapy or BCP, please discontinue for one month prior to study. Consult your physician about discontinuing this before the study.

If you are claustrophobic (fearful of small, enclosed areas) or experience pain when lying on your chest for more than 30 minutes, your referring physician may prescribe a relaxant or pain medication to help you through the exam. The imaging physicians at Cedars-Sinai will not prescribe such medications for you.

If you have received a mammogram at a different facility within the last two years, it is helpful to bring it with you at the time of your exam. You should be able to get a copy of your films by contacting the facility that performed the exam.


We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.

Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.

Please wear comfortable clothing.

You must tell the technologist, radiology nurse and/or imaging physician of any allergies you may have, if you are pregnant or are nursing, and if you have a magnetic expander implant.

You will be asked to fill in two questionnaires. One will help us to have a more detailed understanding of your clinical history.

The second questionnaire will help determine if an MRI is safe for you. People with various implants (including some breast-tissue expanders) or with metal in their bodies (including some tattoos) may have difficulty with an MRI, which utilizes a strong magnetic field. The imaging physician needs to be informed of any of these potential problems.

You will lay face down with your breast in a special device known as a coil. The coil is used to improve image quality. Your arms will be at your side.

Breast imaging is very sensitive to motion. Even the slightest movement or position adjustment during the exam may cause inaccurate findings. Therefore it is very important that you make yourself comfortable and lay motionless until the exam is completed.

The scanning table will slide your entire body into the magnet.

During the scan you will not feel anything, but will hear intermittent humming, thumping, clicking, and knocking sounds. Earplugs will be provided to help mask the noise and allow you to listen to music.

In most cases, the imaging physician requests a contrast agent (dye) to improve the quality of the images. The dye is injected into a vein in the arm, and may cause a cool sensation.

The technologist is always able to see and hear you during the exam.

The exam will take approximately 60 minutes.

There are no restrictions placed upon you. You may eat or drive as normal.

Your films will be examined by an imaging physician and a report sent to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you and discuss what they mean in relation to your health.

To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000