FAST Breast MRI for Dense Breasts

We are Connecticut’s Clear Choice for FAST Breast MRI for Dense Breasts

Not all supplemental screening tests are covered by insurance. However, the shorter scan times of FAST Breast MRI allow us to offer this test for just $350 out of pocket.

To schedule your FAST Breast MRI appointment call 860-969-6400.

Locations

FAST Breast MRI is available at the following Radiology Associates of Hartford locations:

Breast tissue is composed of fibrous, glandular and fatty tissue. Dense breasts have much more fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue. About 50% of women have dense breast tissue, if you are categorized as heterogeneously or extremely dense, you may wish to consider an additional screening test.

Knowing the density of your breast tissue is important because it is more difficult to detect cancer on a screening mammogram in women with dense breasts. This is because early cancer most often shows as white on a screening mammogram and dense breast tissue also shows as white, hiding the signals of an early cancer when it has the best chance for cure. Depending on how dense your tissue is, dense breast tissue may moderately increase your risk of breast cancer.

While mammography provides the map to follow in your breast health and remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening, studies have found that women with dense breast tissue may benefit from a supplemental form of breast screening.

fast breast mri connecticut

FAST Breast MRI screening is a lower cost, shortened version of the standard breast MRI exam. The FAST Breast MRI has been developed specifically for women with dense breasts. FAST Breast MRI does not use radiation or require breast compression, it is a screening MRI exam which uses magnets and a computer to create detailed images of the breast which, just like a 3D mammogram, can be studied from different angles. Unlike mammography, which generates anatomical X-ray images, MRI shows vascular function within the breast, or physiology, which can show blood flow to and from a tumor. It is also highly sensitive and therefore effective at detecting smaller and more invasive cancers.

FAST Breast MRI is a breakthrough solution, this abbreviated, 15-minute screening test has been shown to be comparable in quality to longer MRI screening tests. Like all breast screening tests, FAST Breast MRI also has limitations. While it rarely misses smaller, invasive cancers it can miss DCIS (cancer within the milk duct), because this type of cancer may not have associated vascularity (blood flow). As with any supplemental screening test, talk with your doctor. If your doctor is not yet aware of FAST breast MRI, let us know and we will provide him or her with information that can assist in making an informed recommendation.

The Breast Density Law in Connecticut requires women to be notified of their breast density as measured by their screening mammogram.

To schedule your FAST Breast MRI appointment at our locations, call 860-969-6400.
Online scheduling is always open!

We are Connecticut’s Clear Choice for convenient and accessible appointment times with fast, reliable results.

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