Professional medical service of MRI of the Breast
What is it?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a noninvasive medical test that uses a strong magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and a computer to create detailed images of organs, tissues, bones, and other internal structures. It does not involve ionizing radiation (x-rays), making it a safe option for many diagnostic purposes.
Why is it Performed?
Breast MRI is not a substitute for mammography or ultrasound but serves as a supplementary tool with several important applications, including:
- Screening for high-risk patients: Women with a high risk of breast cancer.
- Assessing cancer extent: After a breast cancer diagnosis, MRI can determine:
- Tumor size and involvement of underlying muscles.
- Additional cancers in the same or opposite breast.
- Presence of abnormally large lymph nodes in the armpit, indicating possible spread.
- Evaluating abnormalities: Further examining abnormalities that are hard to assess on mammograms.
- Scarring vs. recurrence: Differentiating between post-lumpectomy scarring and recurrent cancer.
- Monitoring chemotherapy: Assessing the effectiveness of preoperative (neo-adjuvant) chemotherapy.
- Breast implants: The most accurate method to detect silicone implant ruptures.
- Guiding biopsy decisions: Used when mammography and ultrasound cannot definitively classify a lesion.
Preparation Guidelines
- Clothing
- Wear a hospital gown or loose-fitting clothing without metal fasteners.
- Eating & Medications:
- Follow facility-specific guidelines. Unless instructed otherwise, you can eat and take medications as usual.
- Health Conditions:
- Inform the technologist if you have serious health issues or recently underwent surgery.
- Claustrophobia or Anxiety:
- Discuss with your doctor about taking a mild sedative if necessary.
- Jewelry & Accessories:
Remove all metal and electronic items before the scan, including:
- Jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids.
- Pins, zippers, and metallic items that could distort images.
- Body piercings, removable dental work, and eyeglasses.
- Metal Implants:
Notify the radiologist about implants such as:
- Cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, and metal coils in blood vessels.
- Older pacemakers and defibrillators (may pose safety concerns).
- Shrapnel, bullets, or any foreign metal bodies, particularly near the eyes.
- Tattoo Pigments:
- Some tattoo dyes containing iron might heat up during the scan. Though rare, mention tattoos to the radiologist.
- Implant Safety Documentation:
- Bring documentation about the type and safety of any implanted medical devices to your exam.