Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast — or breast MRI — is a test done at MRI Miami, which is used to detect any abnormalities in the breast including breast cancer. A breast MRI may be done in combination with mammography or ultrasound. It is not a replacement for mammography.
A mammogram uses X-rays to create images of the breast, while a breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce 3-dimensional images of the breast tissue.
MRI provides detailed pictures of the breast. It also provides clear images of parts that are hard to see clearly on an ultrasound or mammogram.
A breast MRI usually is performed after a biopsy comes out positive for cancer and your doctor needs more information about the extent of the disease.
How the test is performed
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be provided with a gown and a robe. You will be asked to remove jewelry and any metal you might be wearing. You will be asked to lie down on your stomach on a narrow table, your breasts fit into a hollow depression in the table, which contains coils that detect magnetic signals from the MRI machine. The table slides into a large tunnel-like tube. If you have claustrophobia, tell your doctor in advance, you will be given a mild sedative to ease your claustrophobia.
In MRI test you won’t feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you will hear loud thumping sounds coming from inside the machine. During the test, the technologist monitors you from another room, and you will be asked to lie as still as possible. Contrast-enhanced MRI requires a special dye (contrast), which you will get through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. The dye helps the radiologist see some areas more clearly. The technologist will take images before and after the dye which takes 30 minutes to an hour.
How to prepare for breast MRI
- Tell your doctor if you are claustrophobic
- Schedule the test between 7 to 14 days of your menstrual cycle. The first day of your period is considered as day 1.
- Tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems. The dye used for the test can cause serious problems in kidney patients.
- Pregnant ladies are not advised for breast MRI. Tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you use a pacemaker or have any artificial joints.
What abnormal results mean
- Breast cancer
- Scar tissue
- Leaking or ruptured breast implants
- Abnormal breast tissue that is not cancer
- Cysts
Where to have breast MRI
Not all imaging centers have equipment specially designed for breast MRI, go for MRI Miami which is well equipped with the equipment and expert radiologists.
 "All you need to know about breast MRI")
