Definition

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involves the use of magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body. An MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional pictures. MRI of the breast is used to supplement mammography to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities of the breast. There is evidence that breast MRI can detect some lesions that may be missed by mammography.

Parts of the Body Involved

  • Breast

Reasons for Procedure

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, enlarged ducts, hematomas, or leaking or ruptured breast implants
  • Distinguish between benign and malignant abnormalities
  • Examine lymph nodes near the breast

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, and kidney problems are also relative contraindications for this procedure.

Breast Cysts

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Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure

You may not be able to have a breast MRI if you have any of the following in your body:

  • Pacemaker
  • Neurostimulator
  • Ear implant
  • Metal clips in your eyes
  • Implanted port device
  • Intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Metal plate, pins, screws, or surgical staples
  • Metal clips from aneurysm repair
  • Retained bullets
  • Any other large metal objects

In addition, you should tell your doctor or the MRI technician if your job involves working with metal filings or particles.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

  • Physical exam and medical history
  • Pregnancy test
  • Determine if you have any allergies
  • Prescribe a mild sedative if you have anxiety or a fear of enclosed spaces

In the days leading up to your procedure:

  • You may be asked to avoid using hair gel, spray, lotions, powders, and cosmetics before your MRI.

The ideal time to schedule a breast MRI is between days 5 and 15 of the menstrual cycle.

If your doctor prescribes a sedative:

  • Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure, and for help at home after your procedure.
  • Take your sedative before the exam as directed by your doctor.

Once at the MRI center:

  • You will be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, glasses, wigs, and/or nonpermanent dentures.

Anesthesia

No anesthesia is required, unless you receive a mild sedative for anxiety or fear of enclosed spaces.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie face down on your stomach in a moveable bed that slides into a large, cylindrical-shaped magnet. Your breasts will hang into cushioned openings. You may be hooked up to monitors to track your pulse, heart rate, and breathing.

If the MRI will require contrasting dye (eg, Gadolinium), you will receive an intravenous line in your hand or arm through which a saline solution and contrasting dye will be injected during the exam.

The MRI technician will leave the room and give you any necessary directions via an intercom. A magnetic field will be produced to generate three-dimensional images of your breast tissue. If contrast material is used, a tumor, if present, will show up on the MRI scan.

After the Procedure

You will be asked to wait until the MRI images are examined to make sure no additional images are needed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1½ hours

Will It Hurt?

No

Possible Complications

  • Allergic reaction to contrast material, if it is injected
  • Risks of sedation, if a sedative is used

Average Hospital Stay

You will be able to go home after the MRI examination.

Postoperative Care

  • If you took a sedative, do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the sedative wears off completely.
  • For those who are breast-feedings, if you received contrast dye, wait at least 24 hours after the exam to resume breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about this.

Outcome

The MRI images will be sent to a radiologist who will analyze them and report the results back to you and/or your primary physician.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Symptoms of allergic reaction
  • Worsening of any breast abnormality-related symptoms