MRI Breast
MRI Breast (Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the breast) is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue. It does not use X-rays or radiation like a mammogram does.
Why Breast MRI is Done?
- Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
- Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, and/or daughter) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, if they have not yet been tested for the mutation.
- Women who have had radiation treatment to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30, such as for treatment of Hodgkin disease.
- Women with the genetic disorders Like-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome; or those who have a first degree relative with the syndrome.
- Further evaluation of abnormalities detected by mammography. Early Breast cancers not detected by other tests, especially in women at high risk and women with dense Breast tissue. In women with Breast Implants.
- In Post Operative patient with lumpectomy ,Mammogram might produce inaccurate result.
- Evaluate the size and precise location of Breast cancer lesions, including the possibility that more than one area of the Breast may be involved (this is helpful for cancers that spread and involve more than one area).
- Determining whether lumpectomy or mastectomy would be more effective.
- Detecting changes in the other Breast that has not been newly diagnosed with Breast cancer (There is an approximately 10 percent chance that women with Breast cancer will develop cancer in the opposite Breast. A recent study indicates that Breast MRI can detect cancer in the opposite Breast that may be missed at the time of the first Breast cancer diagnosis.)
- Evaluation of a newly inverted nipple change with normal mammo sonography.
How do I prepare for a Breast MRI?
EAT/DRINK:You may eat, drink and take medications as usual.
CLOTHING: You must completely change into a patient gown and lock up all personal belongings. A locker will be provided for you to use. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Imaging takes place inside of a large tube-like structure, open on both ends. You must lie perfectly still for quality images. Due to the loud noise of the MRI machine, earplugs are required and will be provided.
ALLERGY: If you have had an allergic reaction to contrast that required medical treatment, contact your ordering physician to obtain the recommended prescription. You will likely take this by mouth 24, 12 and two hours prior to examination.
When you call to make an appointment, it is extremely important that
you inform if any of the following apply to you:
- You have any type of implantable pump, such as an insulin pump
- You have metal plates, pins, metal implants, surgical staples or aneurysm clips
- You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- You have any body piercing
- You are wearing a medication patch
- You have permanent eye liner or tattoos
- You have ever had a bullet wound
- You have ever worked with metal (for example, a metal grinder or welder)
- You have metallic fragments anywhere in the body
- You have a pacemaker or have had heart valves replaced
- You are not able to lie down for 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens during a Breast MRI?
MRI may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor & practices.
Generally, MRI follows this process:
- You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, hairpins, removable dental work, or other objects that may interfere with the procedure.
- If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
- If you have a procedure done with contrast, an intravenous (IV) line will be started in the hand or arm for injection of the contrast dye.
- You will lie on a scan table that slides into a large circular opening of the scanning machine. Pillows and straps may be used to prevent movement during the procedure.
- The technologist will be in another room where the scanner controls are located. However, you will be in constant sight of the technologist through a window. Speakers inside the scanner will enable the technologist to communicate with and hear you. You will have a communication ball so that you can let the technologist know if you have any problems during the procedure. The technologist will be watching you at all times and will be in constant communication.
- You will be given earplugs or a headset to wear to help block out the noise from the scanner. Some headsets may provide music for you to listen to.
- During the scanning process, a clicking noise will sound as the magnetic field is created and pulses of radio waves are sent from the scanner.
- It will be important for you to remain very still during the examination, as any movement could cause distortion and affect the quality of the scan.
- At intervals, you may be instructed to hold your breath, or to not breathe, for a few seconds, depending on the body part being examined. You will then be told when you can breathe. You should not have to hold your breath for longer than a few seconds.
- If contrast dye is used for your procedure, you may feel some effects when the dye is injected into the IV line. These effects include a flushing sensation or a feeling of coldness, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a brief headache, itching, or nausea and/or vomiting. These effects usually last for a few moments.
- You should notify the technologist if you feel any breathing difficulties, sweating, numbness, or heart palpitations.
- Once the scan is complete, the table will slide out of the scanner and you will be assisted off the table.
- If an IV line was inserted for contrast administration, the line will be removed. While the MRI procedure itself causes no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly in the case of a recent injury or invasive procedure such as surgery. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.
What happens after a Breast MRI?
- You should move slowly when getting up from the scanner table to avoid any dizziness or lightheadedness from lying prone for the length of the procedure. If any sedatives were taken for the procedure, you may be required to rest until the sedatives have worn off.
- You will also need to avoid driving.
- If contrast was used during your procedure, you may be monitored for a period of time for any side effects or reactions to the contrast, such as itching, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.
- If you notice any pain, redness, and/or swelling at the IV siteafter you return home following your procedure, you should notifyyour health care provider, as this could indicate an infection orother type of reaction.
- Nursing mothers may choose not to Breast feed for 12 to 24 hours after a Breast MRI with contrast.
- Generally, there is no special type of care required after a Breast MRI scan. You may resume your usual diet and activities, unless your doctor advises you differently.
What are the risks of a Breast MRI?
There & #39;s very little risk to getting a Breast MRI if you and your technologist follow the safety guidelines. The possible risks is: Allergy to contrast dye.
What is the difference between Breast MRI and a Mammogram?
Mammograms are usually the first option for screening and diagnosis of Breast cancer, particularly as mammograms are the only imaging test able to reliably identify microcalcifications — an early sign of some Breast cancers.
