MRI 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.
Breast MRI can be used to:
Leading up to the test:
Once at the MRI center:
You may be:
You 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 material 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.
You will need to wait until the images are examined. In some cases, the technician may need to take more images.
About 1-½ hours
No
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:
Heywang-Kobrunner SH, Viehweg P, Heinig A, Kuchler C. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast: accuracy, value, controversies, solutions. Eur J Radiol. 1997;24:94-108.
MR imaging (MRI)—breast. RadiologyInfo website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastmr&bhcp=1. Accessed May 21, 2007.
Shinil K, Shah BS, Shiwan K, Shah BS, Greatrex KV. J Am Board Fam Med. 2005;18:478-490.
What is Breast MRI? University of California at San Francisco website. Available at: http://www.mrsc.ucsf.edu/breast/what_is_breast_mri.html. Accessed June 6, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
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