Breast MRI
Breast MRI is an imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the breast. MRI does not use radiations (x-rays). MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound. MRI of the breast does not replace mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather is used as a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.
Our high performance Siemens Magnetom Avanto 1.5 Tesla MR system provides the look and feel of an open MRI system with high resolution imaging. Because of its short length and larger opening, patients will be less likely to experience feelings of claustrophobia. The spacious MRI suite has a large window for natural light. In addition, Hastings Imaging Center offers a variety of patient comfort tools, including headphones for music and a two-way communication system to speak with the technologist anytime during the exam. If you like, bring your favorite CD to listen to during the exam.
Hastings Imaging Center is pleased to provide the INVIVO DYNACAD system. The DYNACAD system is a Computer Aided Detection (CAD) system that generates color overlays which draw the eye to suspicious areas. The addition of the DYNACAD system with MRI increases the Radiologists diagnostic confidence and decreases overall examination review time.
Breast MRI isn’t used routinely for breast cancer screening. Mammography is currently still the best screening test for breast cancer.
Breast MRI may be recommended if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and your doctor wishes to determine the extent of the cancer.
- Your doctor finds a suspicious area on your mammogram.
- You or your doctor can feel a mass or other lump in your breast, but it’s not detectable on mammogram or ultrasound.
- You notice a breast lump or other breast change after surgery or radiation therapy and it’s not detectable on mammogram or ultrasound.
- Your doctor wants to monitor your opposite breast after you’ve been newly diagnosed or treated for breast cancer in the other breast.
- You have a suspected leak or rupture of a breast implant.
- You’re at high risk of breast cancer.
- You have a strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
- Your received chest radiation for Hodgkin’s disease before age 30.
- You have very dense breast tissue and your prior breast cancer wasn’t detected on mammogram.
- You have a history of precancerous breast changes, a strong family history of breast cancer and dense breast tissue.
The Procedure
- You will lie face down on the padded scanning table with your breasts surrounded (but not compressed) by an imaging receiver called a breast coil.
- The MRI technologist or nurse will insert an IV line into a vein in the hand or arm. After an initial series of scans, contrast material will be injected through the IV.
- The technologist will go to an adjacent room where they can perform the tests while watching through a window.
- The technologist will be able to communicate with you through a sound system at anytime.
- You will hear a faint knocking sound during the procedure which is normal and is the operation of the imaging process. You will have headphones and will be able to listen to your choice of music throughout the procedure.
- Both breasts will be imaged at the same time.
- The imaging session lasts between 30 minutes and one hour.
Instructions for the Procedure
- If you’re premenopausal, we will need to schedule your MRI at a certain point during your menstrual cycle. Let us know where you are in your cycle so that optimal timing for the breast MRI can be arranged. (Optimal time is the 7th-14th day of your cycle.)
- Tell the technologist when scheduling if you have a cardiac pacemaker or other electronic devices implanted in your body. Also, please inform the technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- The contrast material used for an MRI exam, called gadolinium, does not contain iodine and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, the technologist should know if you have had any serious health problems. Some conditions, such as severe kidney disease, may prevent you from having an MRI with contract material.
- For your comfort, you may wish to wear a two-piece outfit .You will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown during the exam.
- Because an MRI is a huge magnet, you will be asked to remove all jewelry and personal items prior to entering the MRI suite.
If an area of abnormality is detected, a needle biopsy can be performed. The Hastings Imaging Center is the first facility in the area to offer MRI guided breast biopsies.
>> Learn about MRI Guided Breast Biopsy
>> Download Breast MRI Questionnaire
