The purpose of our study was to review the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and pathological diagnoses of benign and malignant solid circumscribed breast masses. This article reviews the MR imaging findings of solid circumscribed breast masses. A strategy for the diagnosis of solid circumscribed breast masses with MR imaging is herein presented that incorporates the signal intensity characteristics on T(1)- and T(2)-weighted images with the kinetic curve assessment reflected by the temporal and spatial uptake of contrast medium.