Breast MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast)
by
Krisha McCoy, MS
Definition |
Reasons for Test |
What to Expect |
Results |
Call Your Doctor
Definition
MRI
uses magnetic fields to make images of the inside of the body. A computer produces two- and three-dimensional pictures. MRI of the breast uses an MRI to evaluate breast tissue.
Reasons for Test
Breast MRI can be used to:
- Evaluate breast abnormalities seen on mammography
- Identify breast abnormalities in women (and in some cases, men) with dense breast tissue, implants, or scar tissue
-
Examine
breast implants
- Examine scar tissue
- Evaluate the progress of breast cancer treatment
- Identify cysts or enlarged breast ducts
- Examine lymph nodes near the breast
Breast Cysts
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
What to Expect
Prior to test
Leading up to the test:
- Try to schedule the test between days 5 and 15 of the menstrual cycle.
-
If your doctor prescribes a sedative:
- Arrange for a ride home.
- Take the sedative 1-2 hours before the exam, or as directed.
Once at the MRI center:
You may be:
- Given ear plugs or headphones to wear (The MRI machine makes a loud banging noise.)
- Allowed to have a family member or friend with you during the test
Description of the Test
You will lie face down on your stomach in a moveable bed. The bed will slide into a large, cylindrical-shaped magnet. Your breasts will hang into cushioned openings. You may be hooked up to monitors. These monitors will track your pulse, heart rate, and breathing. The technician will be in another room and give you directions via an intercom. A magnetic field will be produced to generate three-dimensional images of your breast tissue. As this happens you will hear loud banging noises.
The MRI may require contrast material to make the pictures better. In this case, you will receive an IV in your hand or arm. Contrast material will be injected through the IV.
After the Test
You will need to wait until the images are examined. In some cases, the technician may need to take more images.
- If you took a sedative, do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the sedative wears off completely.
- If you are breastfeeding and receive a contrast dye, you and your doctor should discuss when you should restart breastfeeding again. Information available has not found any ill effects to the baby of a breastfeeding mother that has had contrast dye.
How Long Will It Take?
About 1-½ hours
Results
The MRI images will be sent to a radiologist. Your doctor will receive the report and talk to you about the results.
Call Your Doctor
After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Worsening of your symptoms
- Any allergic or abnormal symptoms, like getting a rash or swelling if you were injected with contrast dye
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
National Cancer Institute of Canada
http://www.ncic.cancer.ca/
REFERENCES:
Heywang-Kobrunner SH, Viehweg P, Heinig A, Kuchler C. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast: accuracy, value, controversies, solutions.
Eur J Radiol. 1997;24:94-108.
MR imaging (MRI)—breast. RadiologyInfo website. Available at:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastmr&bhcp=1.
Accessed May 21, 2007.
Shinil K, Shah BS, Shiwan K, Shah BS, Greatrex KV.
J Am Board Fam Med. 2005;18:478-490.
What is Breast MRI? University of California at San Francisco website. Available at:
http://www.mrsc.ucsf.edu/breast/what_is_breast_mri.html.
Accessed June 6, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Last Updated: 11/19/2009
