Abbreviated breast MRI, also called “fast MRI” or rapid breast MRI, is a shorter version of the standard breast MRI. It is designed to be a more accessible and less costly alternative for breast cancer detection. While a full breast MRI can last between 20 and 50 minutes, the abbreviated MRI typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes.
Although this method is faster, it remains very effective in identifying abnormalities in breast tissue, including small tumors that mammograms or ultrasounds might miss, especially in women with dense breast tissue. The abbreviated breast MRI is primarily intended for women with an average risk of breast cancer and is increasingly used as a complementary screening tool.
How does the abbreviated breast MRI work?
The abbreviated breast MRI uses the same magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology as the standard MRI. It involves injecting a contrast agent into a vein, which helps to better visualize the breast tissue and detect any abnormalities. The main difference is that the abbreviated MRI focuses on a reduced selection of essential images and does not require as many image sequences as the full MRI, thus shortening the exam duration.
Who is it for?
The abbreviated breast MRI is particularly recommended for women with an average risk of breast cancer, especially those with dense breasts, where mammography alone may not be sufficient. It is used in addition to mammograms to improve detection, especially in cases where dense breast tissue can hide small tumors.
Comparison with other techniques:
- Mammography: Although mammography is the standard screening tool, it can miss certain cancers in dense breasts. The abbreviated MRI offers greater sensitivity for these patients, but it does not replace the annual mammogram.
- Ultrasound: The abbreviated MRI is more accurate than ultrasound in many cases, particularly in distinguishing between benign masses and malignant tumors.
Why doesn’t the abbreviated MRI replace mammography?
It is important to note that some slow-growing cancers or pre-invasive cancers, such as those forming in the milk ducts (in situ cancer), may not be easily visible on an MRI. These types of cancers are often better detected by mammography. Therefore, the abbreviated breast MRI is an excellent complement but should not replace mammography in a regular screening program.
How to get an appointment?
- You need a medical prescription
It is only possible to book an appointment for an abbreviated breast MRI if you have a prescription from your doctor. Your doctor will assess whether the exam is necessary based on your medical history, previous results, or symptoms. - If you already have your prescription
If you already have your medical prescription, you can book an appointment online by clicking on this link. You will need to attach your prescription, and a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible. You can also check our services to see which clinic offers this exam and contact us directly by phone. - If you do not have a prescription
If you do not yet have a prescription, as mentioned above, you will need to obtain one from your doctor. Once your doctor orders an abbreviated breast MRI, you can book an appointment at RADIMED.
In summary
The abbreviated breast MRI is a valuable tool to complement mammograms, especially for women with dense breasts. It provides more accurate detection of abnormalities while being faster and more accessible. However, for optimal monitoring, it should be used alongside an annual mammogram to ensure the detection of all types of cancer.