Imaging · London
Private breast MRI in London, read by a breast radiologist.
The most sensitive breast-imaging test.
Indicative pricing
What a breast MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£600-£1,000, reported in 48-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast MRI (with contrast) | £600–£1,000 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| High-risk screening breast MRI | £600–£1,000 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Staging protocol (newly diagnosed) | £700–£1,200 | 40–55 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Implant assessment (no contrast) | £450–£800 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Problem-solving / second look | £550–£950 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Post-treatment surveillance | £600–£1,000 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether it is a screening, staging or implant study.
The problem
The most sensitive breast test, used at the right moment.
Breast MRI is powerful, but it is not for everyone or every question. Used at the right time - high risk, staging, problem-solving - it is unmatched. The right protocol, a dedicated breast coil and a breast radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer.
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Not sure if you need one?
Breast MRI is right for specific situations, not everyone. The aim is to work out honestly if it fits, or if another test is better.
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Not sure who reads it?
Look for clinics where a consultant breast radiologist reports the study.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
High risk, an unclear finding, a new diagnosis or an implant question each call for a different study. These are the most common.
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High-risk screening
The most sensitive test for women at high risk, alongside or instead of mammography.
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An unclear lump or finding
Clarifies a finding that mammography or ultrasound could not fully explain.
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Newly diagnosed cancer
Maps the true extent of a known cancer to plan surgery accurately.
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Response to treatment
Assesses how a tumour is responding to chemotherapy before surgery.
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Implant assessment
The best test for a suspected implant rupture or complication.
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Characterising a lesion
Helps tell a benign lesion from one that needs a biopsy.
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A problem-solving second look
Answers a specific question raised by other imaging.
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After-treatment surveillance
Monitors for recurrence after breast-cancer treatment.
Breast MRI types
Not all breast scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Contrast-enhanced breast MRI
The standard study - contrast highlights areas of concern. Most breast MRIs are this.
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High-risk screening MRI
An annual scan for women at high genetic or family risk.
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Staging protocol
Maps the full extent of a newly diagnosed cancer to plan surgery.
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Implant-assessment MRI
A dedicated, no-contrast study for a suspected implant rupture.
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Neoadjuvant response MRI
Checks how well a tumour is shrinking with chemotherapy before surgery.
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Problem-solving MRI
Answers a specific question raised by a mammogram or ultrasound.
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Abbreviated breast MRI
A faster screening study for the right candidates.
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Post-treatment surveillance
Monitors for recurrence after treatment.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A couple of things matter for a breast scan - cycle timing and implants.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. This is normally needed from your hospital.
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Breast implants and expanders
Implants are MRI-safe and can be assessed by MRI. Tissue expanders with a metal port need a check first.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Lying face down (prone)
A breast MRI is done lying on your front for 30-45 minutes.
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Timing in your cycle
For pre-menopausal women, days 7-14 of your cycle give the clearest images.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed, as most breast scans use gadolinium contrast.
Reading your report
A breast report can look intimidating. It isn't.
However detailed the study, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your breast specialist, not for you - and that is normal.
Ask your clinician to talk you through it before your follow-up.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the scan performed, and the clinical question - screening, a finding, or staging.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (T1, T2 and dynamic contrast). The contrast timing is what makes areas of concern stand out.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A description of both breasts and the axillae, with any enhancing lesion and its features.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion and any recommended next step - read this first. Your specialist discusses it with you.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about breast MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, cycle timing and results.
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What is a breast MRI used for?
High-risk screening, clarifying an unclear finding, staging a newly diagnosed cancer, checking response to chemotherapy, assessing implants, and surveillance after treatment. It is the most sensitive breast-imaging test.
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How much does a private breast MRI cost in London?
Staging costs a little more; an implant-only study costs less.
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Does a breast MRI replace a mammogram?
No - they complement each other. MRI is more sensitive and is used for high-risk screening and problem-solving, but mammography remains the mainstay of routine screening. The right test depends on your risk and history.
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Do I need a referral?
A breast MRI is usually arranged with a referral so the right protocol is used and the images are compared with your other imaging.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Almost always - contrast is what makes a breast MRI work, except for a dedicated implant-integrity study.
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Does the timing in my cycle matter?
For pre-menopausal women, yes - days 7-14 of your cycle give the clearest images and fewest false alarms.
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What is the scan like?
You lie face down with your breasts in a dedicated cushioned coil for about 30-45 minutes. It is painless aside from the contrast injection, and you have headphones for the noise.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant breast radiologist report is usually ready in 48-72 hours. With your consent, the report and images can be sent to your GP or breast specialist.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover breast MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a breast MRI safe?
It is very safe, with no ionising radiation - unlike a mammogram.