Breast MRI Procedure Information
Your doctor has recommended you for a non-invasive, breast MRI.
Take a photo tour of a breast MRI:
Our Expert Team
Our team of subspecialty imaging physicians, imaging nurses and certified technologists is headed by Rola Saouaf, MD, Chief of Body and Cardiac MRI.
When Scheduling Your Exam
For optimal image quality, please schedule your Breast MRI seven to 10 days after the first day of your menstrual cycle.
Our team considers several factors to ensure that your MR scan is safe. 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. If you are on hormone replacement therapy or BCP, please consult your doctor about discontinuing the therapy for one month before the study.
Some patients become fearful or agitated in small, enclosed areas (claustrophobic) or experience discomfort when lying on their chest for 45 minutes. If you dislike small spaces or have difficulty lying down on your stomach, please ask your referring physician to prescribe a relaxant or pain medication to help you through the exam. The imaging physicians at Cedars-Sinai cannot prescribe such medications for you.
If you have received a mammogram at a different facility within the past two years, it is helpful to your evaluation 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 any time you may have to wait as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time before the exam.
You will be asked to change into a gown. Lockers are provided in the changing room for your valuables, although you may want to leave them at home.
Directions and Parking Information
Convenient valet parking is available in front of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center (pictured below).
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (310) 423-8000.
