MRI Test for Breast | What is Breast MRI.
Breast MRI or magnetic resonance imaging of the breast is a diagnostic test to detect any abnormality in the breast including breast cancer. This procedure makes the use of magnetic waves which pass through the breast tissue and translate into images on the computer screen.
This test is ordered when the clinical findings and findings from mammography and ultrasound do not give enough findings to confirm the nature of the breast abnormality.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI.
Breast MRI helps to differentiate between normal breast tissue and the diseased tissue. According to a recent study, MRI conducted on women who were suspected of breast cancer in one breast, detected cancer in the other breast in about 90% of the cases. Clinical breast exam and mammography had missed out on the cancer of the other breast.
Statistics show that adding MRI to the screening procedure of breast cancer doubled the figures of breast cancer cases detected. MRI is also used in breast screening of high risk women to ensure presence or absence of breast cancer. Unlike mammograms, MRI can detect tumors in dense breast tissue.
MRI Procedure.
Duration of breast MRI: MRI usually takes 30 to 60 minutes but can extend to 90 minutes.
All belongings such as watch, necklace, etc are removed. If you have been on hormone replacement therapy or are taking oral contraceptives, these have to stopped one month before Going for a MRI. For better image clarity, it is advisable to have your MRI done seven to ten days after the first day of the menstrual cycle.
A hospital gown is given to the patient and she is asked to face down lie down and slided into the MRI machine chamber. The breasts are exposed and project downwards through two openings in the paltform. Thumping sounds are heard for a few minutes. Otherwise the MRI is eventless. It is necessary to lie still during the procedure because any movement can disturb the accuracy of the findings.
The MRI produces slicing images of the breast so that images of the breast tissue can be viewed at different planes of the breast. This can be compared to slices of bread when the loaf is sliced with a knife.
At times a contrast medium may be necessary to be injected into the patient to get a better contrast between different tissues and a better visualization on the scan report.
After the MRI, you can immediately get up, wear your clothes and belongings and resume your normal duties.
Image of breast MRI being done in MRI scan machine.
Breast MRI image.
Disadvantages of MRI.
- MRI cannot detect micro calcifications (tiny specks of calcium) in breast tissue which can be detected by mammograms. Micro calcifications account for half of malignancies detected by mammograms.
- Breast MRI use is therefore most effective when used in conjunction with mammogram and other imaging procedures. It cannot be replacement for mammogram.
- MRI may give a false positive report which is confirmed as non malignant on biopsy. This can result in unnecessary anxiety for the patient.
- High cost of MRI is sometimes not covered by insurance.
Safety of Breast MRI.
MRI is safe for use in an average person. However there are some contraindications which are mentioned below.
Contraindications for Breast MRI.
People with certain disorders should not undergo a MRI.
- Any person with metal implants inside the body such as a heart pacemaker, cochlear implant for hearing, implanted insulin pump, cerebral aneurysm clip, implanted orthopedic rods, implanted insulin pump. This is for fear that the magnetic field may dislodge the metal.
- People with a metallic rod or such device in the spine.
- People with severe heartburn.
- Pregnancy.
- People who have claustrophobia. (Fear of closed spaces).
- People who cannot lie on their backs for 30 minutes or more.
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