Breast MRI
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A technologist ensures the quality of the images during the MRI.
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A Clearer Image MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a noninvasive, painless test that helps diagnose medical conditions. MRI uses powerful magnetic fields to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. In some breast MRIs, a contrast agent is injected into a vein to capture detailed images of the tissue. MRI images allow physicians to better evaluate the breast compared to other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or mammography.
A Better Diagnosis
MRI imaging of the breast is performed to:
- Identify early breast cancer not detected through other means.
- Diagnose women at high-risk for the disease.
- Screen women who have implants or scar tissue.
- Determine if cancer has spread beyond the breast into the chest wall.
- Assess the effect of chemotherapy.
By comparing images taken before and after a contrast agent is injected into a vein, an MRI can determine:
- If an abnormality looks benign or malignant.
- The size and location of any abnormality that looks malignant.
- The presence of enlarged lymph nodes.
Preparing for an MRI
Before having an MRI, tell the radiologist if you have:
- Allergies of any kind.
- Kidney disease or sickle cell anemia.
- Serious health problems, including all surgeries.
- Electronic devices, which may interfere with the exam.
- Implants such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, cochlear implant, IUD, artificial limbs, metallic joints, or metal pins, screws, plates and clips.
- If you are, or have been, a metal worker.
- Tattoos, which may contain iron.
- If you are pregnant or there is a possibility you are pregnant.
- If you have claustrophobia, fear of enclosed spaces, or anxiety.
Earlier Detection
In 2007, a study by the National Institutes of Health found that an MRI doubled the number of cancers found in the opposite breast of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
- One in 10 women with cancer in one breast will develop the disease in the opposite breast.
- The study found that an MRI detected 90 percent of cancers in the opposite breast that were missed by mammography and clinical breast exams.
- MRIs are an effective tool for identifying the majority of cancers at a woman’s initial breast cancer diagnosis.
- MRIs can help doctors diagnose and treat the cancer in the opposite breast earlier.
- Researchers hope that breast MRI’s ability to confirm the absence of tumors will avoid unnecessary mastectomies.
| For more information or to make an appointment, call 866-904-9262.
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Understanding MRI of the Breast
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