Breast MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast)
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionMRI 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 TOPBreast MRI can be used to:
Possible Complications TOPMRIs 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 TOPPrior to testLeading up to the test:
Once at the MRI center:
You may be:
Description of the TestYou 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 TOPYou will need to wait until the images are examined. In some cases, the technician may need to take more images.
How Long Will It Take? TOPAbout 1-½ hours Will It Hurt? TOPNo Results TOPThe MRI images will be sent to a radiologist. Your doctor will receive the report and talk to you about the results. Call Your Doctor TOPAfter the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
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 | |
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |