Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is one of the safest and most comfortable imaging tests available. It uses magnetic fields with out X-rays to obtain over 3000 images of the breasts. MRI is very helpful with difficult, suspicious or dense mammograms, especially in the 30-65 year old age group. In recent years Breast MRI has become an important addition to ultrasound and mammography. With sensitivity near 100% for detecting invasive cancer as small as 3 mm, early discovery will save lives and reduce the cost of treatment.

Your Breast MRI Exam

During your examination you will lie on your stomach. Unlike mammography, MRI does not require your breasts to be compressed. A technologist will then center you inside the magnet and run scans before and after the administration of IV contrast. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, you can relay your concerns to the technologist via a two-way communication system. Most exams last no longer than 30 minutes.

Before your Breast MRI

We ask that you bring all Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound, Thermoscan and Nuclear Medicine films from the last 5 years with their respective reports at the time of your exam. You will also need to bring pathology reports from any biopsies. We suggest that you wear comfortable clothing such as sweats for your exam. Any metal objects on your person (rings, earrings, hairclips, etc.) must be removed. Our office will direct you in the proper way to schedule your appointment based on your menstrual cycle and/or hormone replacement therapy.

Notify the Technologist if…

• You have any metal implants (pumps, pins, plates, surgical staples, aneurysm clips etc.)
• You have any metallic fragments in your body.
• You have ever worked with metal.
• You have an intrauterine device.
• You have metal dental fixtures.
• You have a cardiac pacemaker.
• You suspect pregnancy.
• You are claustrophobic.

Who Should Have a Breast MRI?

Breast MRI is often used for evaluating patients with dense breast tissue, breast pain, breast discharge, fibrocystic breast disease, or patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer. It is also used in conjunction with mammography or ultrasound for clarification of inconclusive or abnormal findings. Breast MRI can also be used for the evaluation of implant rupture, radiation/chemotherapy treatments and searching for primary breast cancer in patients with lymph node disease.

Why do I have to be injected with Gadolinium?

Gadolinium enables the radiologist to see and interpret small lesions. It is essential to properly evaluate breast tissue. Your kidneys will clear the gadolinium out of your body within a few hours.

Does Insurance Cover Breast MRI?

Most major health insurance agencies cover the cost of Breast MRI when a patient has a physician order. If your health plan requires you to have prior approval (pre-certification) for this type of exam, your referring physician will need to obtain it prior to your appointment. You may also want to contact your insurance company before your exam to be sure the exam will be covered.

What happens following your exam?

When your examination is complete a radiologist, who specializes in Breast MRI, will review your images and prepare a report for your doctor. Your doctor will then review it with you in the context of your overall health.

Help us to help you

In order for us to acquire the best images, it is imperative that you lie still during your exam. You may want to avoid drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages prior to scanning so that you will be able to lie still inside the scanner.

Benefits of Breast MRI

• Highly sensitive to small abnormalities.
• Used effectively in dense breasts.
• Often spots abnormalities missed by mammography.
• Evaluates the extent of breast cancer.
• Excellent in detecting breast cancer reoccurrences and residual tumors following lumpectomy.
• May help to determine the extent of surgery, if necessary.
• Breast are not compressed and X-rays are not used.