Breast MRI
Breast MRI is a non-invasive procedure using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
that allows doctors to see what the inside of the breast looks like to diagnose
and treat medical conditions. It provides valuable information about breast
tissue and potential lesions/tumors that cannot be obtained by other imaging
modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.
There are two kinds of breast MRI exams—with contrast or without contrast.
Contrast is a special dye that helps highlight breast tissue.
Breast MRI with contrast is used to:
- Provide further data after an inconclusive
mammogram, ultrasound or physical exam
- Screen certain high-risk patients
- Detect
breast cancer and/or determine the extent of the disease
- Assist with the
consideration of treatment options • Monitor breast cancer chemotherapy
Breast MRI without contrast is used to:
- Evaluate breast implants
- Determine
if rupture or leakage has occurred.
MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging,
but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and
other breast abnormalities. However, ongoing medical studies have shown that
MRI is substantially more accurate for early diagnosis of breast cancer than
digital mammography or breast ultrasound. More
Information.
Special Precautions
A breast MRI exam is safe, simple and painless. However,
please notify us for further instructions if:
- You are pregnant or could
be pregnant.
- You have a pacemaker, defibrillator, heart valve, cochlear
implant or neurostimulator.
- You have a history of metal in the eyes.
Pacemakers, defibrillators and cochlear implants are contraindications to
MRI scanning due to the high magnetic field used. Other implant devices such
as hip or knee prosthesis, surgical clips or pins and cardiac stents that have
been in place for more than six weeks pose no problem.
Some heart valves, aneurysm
clips and neurostimulators are not safe. Bring the implant certificate with
you so the technologists can refer to the manufacturer’s information
about MRI compatibility.
Breast MRI Exam Guidelines
Preparation
- Prior to your scheduled appointment, WIS will call you
to discuss specific instructions, review your health and
insurance information and answer any questions.
- For your convenience, print out and complete the appropriate Patient
Forms, including Patient Registration and Patient
History. Bring them with you to your appointment.
- If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a contrast
agent in any prior imaging exam, please notify our staff
before your appointment.
- Contrast breast exams are best performed between days
7-12 of your menstrual cycle.
- Prior to the exam, eat normally and take your medication
as usual (unless your physician has given you other instructions.)
- Leave your valuables at home. All jewelry and any metal
objects must be removed prior to the exam.
- Wear comfortable clothing without zippers, snaps or metal
buttons. Or, you may change into a hospital gown or scrubs
after arriving.
- Please notify the technologist if you are pregnant or
could be pregnant. Or, if you are breastfeeding.
- Please bring all relevant prior examination films or studies
(mammography, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) with you on the day
of your exam.
- For your listening pleasure, bring a music CD to listen
to with headphones during the exam. WIS also has a library
of CDs you can select from when you arrive.
- If sedation is requested, please call for instructions.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam.
What to Expect
During the Exam
- Allow between 60 and 90 minutes for the procedure.
- For your comfort, you may have someone accompany you
during the exam. He or she will be able to sit and talk
with you during the procedure.
- If necessary, physician-administered medication is available
to help you relax.
- A technologist will help position you
on the cushioned scanning table. You will lie face down
on your stomach with both breasts hanging freely in a
padded depression in the table containing a breast
coil which detects magnetic signals from the MRI machine.
Your head will be positioned on a headrest equipped with
mirrors so you can see out of the scanner during the exam.
Your arms will be positioned above your head.
- If a contrast material will be used, the technologist will
insert an intravenous
(IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. A saline
solution may be used. The solution will drip through the
IV to prevent blockage of the IV line until the contrast
material is injected.
- To minimize scanner noises, you will be given earplugs
or you can listen to a music CD through an audio headset.
- The scanner bed will slide into the magnet of the MRI
unit. The technologist will leave the room during the
scan, but you will remain in contact via an intercom and
the mirrors.
- As the scan begins, you will hear knocking or buzzing
sounds for a few minutes at a time as images are captured.
It is important to lie as still as possible and breathe
normally during this imaging process. Some movement is
allowed between sequences.
- After an initial series of scans, if contrast is to
be used, Gadolinium (an FDA-approved, non-radioactive
contrast agent) will be injected into the IV. You will
feel a warm, flushed sensation and may experience a metallic
taste in your mouth that lasts a few minutes.
- An additional
series of images will be taken during or following the
injection.
What to Expect After the Exam
- You may leave as soon as the exam is completed and resume
normal activities.
- Your normal diet may be resumed.
- If IV contrast was used, it will rapidly be cleared
from the body by the kidneys. However, women who are breastfeeding
should discard milk for 48 hours after the exam.
- Your imaging study will be interpreted by a board certified
radiologist who specializes in breast imaging.
- Your referring physician will receive a report and pictures
detailing the findings of your exam within 24 hour. You
should contact your doctor to discuss the results.
For more information on Breast MRI, check
out the
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) page on this modality.
