Supplemental Screening

Supplemental Screening

Some cancers are not seen on a mammogram. These cancers may be found with a screening breast ultrasound or a screening breast magnetic resonance image (MRI).

These tests are used for:

• People who are at high risk of developing breast cancer
• People with dense breasts

At Northwestern Medicine, we prefer to use a breast MRI over ultrasound for additional screening. It is the most sensitive examination to look for breast cancer.

During a screening breast MRI, contrast dye is injected into one of your veins. You will be positioned on your stomach for 15 minutes. If this is not comfortable for you, you may be able to get a screening ultrasound instead. You should talk to your physician if you have concerns.

Even though you may need supplemental screening tests, you will still need to have a mammogram. Mammograms find cancers that may not be seen on either MRI or ultrasound. That’s why mammograms are always done in addition to supplemental screening.

Supplemental screening is not for everyone. There are benefits, like finding cancer earlier. But, there is also some risk in doing follow-up imaging and biopsies on non-cancerous tissue. You should discuss whether supplemental screening is right for you with your breast radiologist, primary care physician and gynecologist.