Reasons for Test

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Breast MRI

(Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast)

by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

MRI scanning 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 TOP

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

Possible Complications TOP

MRIs can be harmful if you have metal inside your body such as joint replacements or pacemaker. Make sure your doctor knows of any internal metal before the test. Some may also have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Talk to your doctor about any allergies you have or if you have liver or kidney problems. These may make it difficult for your body to get rid of the contrast.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor before the MRI scan about whether an MRI scan is right for you.

What to Expect TOP

Prior to test

Leading up to the test:

Try to schedule the test between days 5 and 15 of your menstrual cycle. This is a time when the breast tissue is less dense.
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 will be asked about the following:
- Medical and surgical history
- Pregnancy
- Allergies
- Other conditions that you may have—If your MRI involves contrast material, your doctor will ask about the health of your kidneys. There is a risk of complications in people who have kidney disease and receive contrast material.
You will be asked if you have something in your body that would interfere with or make it so you cannot have an MRI, such as:
- Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
- Neurostimulator
- Ear implant
- Metal fragments in your eyes or in any other part of your body (Tell your doctor if your work involves metal filings or particles.)
- Implanted port device
- Metal plate, pins, screws, or surgical staples
- Metal clips from aneurysm repair
- Retained bullets
- Any other large metal objects in your body (Tooth fillings and braces are usually fine.)
You will remove any metal objects (such as jewelry, hearing aids, glasses).
An x-ray may be taken to see if there are any metal objects in your body.

You may be:

Given earplugs 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 on a moveable bed. The bed will slide into a large, cylindrical 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 dye 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 TOP

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 start breastfeeding again. Information available has not found any ill effects to a baby if a mother has had contrast dye.

How Long Will It Take? TOP

About 1-½ hours

Will It Hurt? TOP

Results TOP

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 TOP

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Worsening of your symptoms
Any allergic or abnormal symptoms, like a rash or swelling if you were injected with contrast dye

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

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:

Breast MRI. University of California at San Francisco website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed May 28, 2015.

Camp HJ. Controversies in breast MRI. Radiologica. 2010;52(suppl 1):26-29.

Heywang-Kobrunner SH, Viehweg P, Heinig A, Kuchler C. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast: Accuracy, value, controversies, solutions. Eur J Radiol. 1997;24(2):94-108.

Klostergaard J, Parga K, Raptis RG. Current and future applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to breast and ovarian cancer management. Puerto Rico Health Sciences J. 2010;29(3): 223-231.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—breast. Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated July 2, 2014. Accessed May 28, 2015.

Shinil K, Shah BS, Greatrex KV. Current role of magnetic resonance imaging in breast imaging: A primer for the primary care physician. J Am Board Fam Med. 2005;18(6):478-490.

9/10/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
...(Click grey area to select URL)
US Food and Drug Administration. New warnings required on use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm225286.htm. Updated April 19, 2013. Accessed May 28, 2015.

5/17/2014 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Patenaude Y, Pugash D, Lim K, et al. The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the obstetric patient. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014;36(4):349-355.

Last reviewed May 2015 by Andrea Chisholm, MD
Last Updated: 5/17/2014

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