When to Consider Breast MRI: How Advanced Imaging Complements Your Mammogram

A mammogram uses low-dose X-ray technology to find early signs of breast cancer — sometimes years before a lump can be felt. 

Early detection gives you more choices, more control, and a better chance of successful treatment. For most women, keeping up with annual mammograms is the most powerful step you can take for long-term breast health.

Mammography is excellent at detecting small calcifications, subtle tissue changes, and masses that may indicate early breast cancer. At Invision Sally Jobe, mammography offers advanced imaging clarity while using low radiation doses for your safety and comfort.

For women with average breast density and no elevated risk factors, mammograms remain the most reliable screening tool available. In some cases, we may recommend additional imaging to provide a more complete evaluation.

What a breast MRI can show

A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed, three-dimensional images of the breast. Unlike a mammogram, which uses X-rays, an MRI provides contrast-rich imaging that highlights soft tissue and vascular details invisible on other scans.

Breast MRIs are especially helpful in:

• Evaluating dense breast tissue (tiny issues are harder to detect on a mammogram)
• Monitoring known breast cancer or checking for recurrence after treatment
• Screening women at high genetic risk (such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations)
• Further assessing inconclusive mammogram or ultrasound results

At Invision Sally Jobe, we use state-of-the-art MRI systems and cutting-edge imaging techniques that produce clear, detailed results you and your care team can trust. We perform every scan using protocols that prioritize comfort, precision, and safety.

How mammography and MRI work together

Think of mammography and MRI as complementary rather than competing tools. Each offers specific advantages, and together they give our radiologists a more complete understanding of your breast health.

Mammography excels at detecting calcifications and subtle structural changes, whereas MRI visualizes soft tissue and blood vessels, ideal for assessing dense breast tissue.

When used in combination, these imaging techniques can detect cancers earlier and with greater accuracy, particularly in women with dense breasts or elevated risk factors.

For example, if a mammogram reveals an area of concern, an MRI may help clarify whether the tissue is benign or suspicious. Conversely, MRI can sometimes detect abnormalities that mammography may miss, prompting additional imaging or biopsy when appropriate.

When a breast MRI may be recommended

We may recommend a breast MRI along with or instead of a mammogram if:

• You have dense breast tissue that makes mammograms less sensitive
• You have a strong family history of breast cancer or carry a BRCA gene mutation
• You’ve had previous breast cancer, and your doctor needs to monitor for recurrence
• You’ve had implants or reconstructive surgery
• A mammogram or ultrasound shows uncertain findings that need further evaluation

For most women, mammography remains the foundation of breast screening, but when risk factors or results call for it, adding MRI provides a clearer, more complete view.

The Invision Sally Jobe difference

As the leader in outpatient imaging in the Denver metro area, Invision Sally Jobe brings together advanced technology and exceptional patient-centered care.

Our modern MRI technology delivers excellent image clarity, and our specialized radiologists review both mammograms and MRIs with a meticulous, team-based approach so your results are precise, reliable, and delivered promptly.

If your physician recommends a breast MRI or you have questions about whether it’s right for you, we’re here to help.

Call us at Invision Sally Jobe in Aurora, Greenwood Village, Golden, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, or Denver, Colorado, to book your appointment and experience advanced imaging that puts your comfort, confidence, and breast health first.