| What is MRI of the Breast? |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast can add valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound. It is the most sensitive test for detecting masses in the breast. |
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| What are some common uses of the procedure? |
MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather a supplemental tool. Medical studies are currently being conducted to determine whether MRI and other imaging methods can contribute to the early detection and prevention of deaths from breast cancer.
MR imaging of the breast is performed to: |
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» Screen for breast cancer in women who have a greater than 20-25% lifetime risk for developing the disease, for example women with a strong family history of breast cancer, those who have a gene mutation which is associated with high risk and women with a history of radiation to the chest.
» determine the integrity of breast implants.
» distinguish between scar tissue and recurrent breast cancer.
» evaluate women with a new diagnosis of breast cancer to evaluate the extent of the disease and look for any additional cancer prior to breast conservation surgery.
» determine whether cancer detected by mammography or ultrasound has spread further in the breast or into the chest wall.
» assess responce to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
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How is the breast MRI performed? Our tecnolgist and physician will greet you and obtain a history. You will put on a gown. You will lie on the exam table face down. An intravenous will be started. When the technician is assured of your best possible comfort, she will begin the imaging which is done in 2 parts. The first part is done without contrast and the second series of scans are done after the contrast is given. Typically the test is complete in 30-40 minutes.
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| Intravenous contrast is usually injected during the breast MRI. Without contrast material, an MRI of the breast can show: |
» breast tissue density.
» cysts.
» enlarged ducts.
» hematomas.
» leaking or ruptured breast implants. |
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| By comparing breast images taken before and after contrast material injection, an MRI exam can determine: |
» if there are breast abnormalities.
» whether an abnormality looks benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
» the size and location of any abnormality that looks malignant.
» the presence of enlarged lymph nodes. |
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| How should I prepare for the procedure? |
You will be asked to change into a gown during the exam.
Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual.
Your radiologist should be informed if you have any serious health problems and what surgeries you have undergone. Some conditions, such as kidney disease and sickle cell anemia, may prevent you from having an MRI with contrast material.
Women should always inform their physician or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Because the risks of an MRI exam to the baby are unknown, pregnant women should not have this exam unless the potential benefit from the MRI is assumed to outweigh the potential risks.
If you have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) or anxiety, you may want to ask your physician for a prescription for a mild sedative.
Jewelry and other accessories should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the MRI scan. Because they can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit, metal and electronic objects are not allowed in the exam room. These items include: |
» jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, all of which can be damaged.
» pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort MRI images.
» removable dental work.
» and eyeglasses. |
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| In most cases, an MRI exam is safe for patients with metal implants, except for a few types. People with the following implants cannot be scanned and should not enter the MRI area: |
» internal (implanted) defibrillator
» cochlear (ear) implant
» clips used on brain aneurysms |
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| You should tell the technologist if you have medical or electronic devices in your body, because they may interfere with the exam or potentially pose a risk. Examples include: |
» artificial heart valves
» implanted drug infusion ports
» infusion catheter
» intrauterine device (IUD)
» implanted electronic device, including a cardiac pacemaker
» artificial limbs or metallic joint prostheses
» implanted nerve stimulators
» metal pins, screws, plates or surgical staples. |
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In general, metal objects used in orthopedic surgery pose no risk during MRI. However, a recently placed artificial joint may require the use of another imaging procedure. If there is any question of their presence, an x-ray may be taken to detect the presence of any metal objects.
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