Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast, also called breast MRI, is a test mainly used to detect Breast Cancer, using magnets and radio waves to create very detailed computer – generated images of the breast tissue.
A breast MRI is safe. It does not use radiation to acquire images of the breast tissue.
Contrast enhanced Breast MRI has shown substantial progress and high sensitivity in the detection of Breast Cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a Breast MRI done?
To detect Breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast.
To further evaluate the exact size, location and extent of biopsy confirmed Breast Cancers and to detect any other cancers in the same breast or the other breast.
For Breast Cancer screening, especially in women who are at high risk and have dense breast tissue. This means a lifetime risk of 20% or more, who have a strong family history of Breast Cancer or Ovarian Cancer and are gene mutation carriers, including BRCA1 or BRCA2, CHECK2 among others.
To further characterise abnormalities found on mammogram and/or Breast U/S.
For follow up evaluation after surgery and to evaluate response to other treatments for Breast Cancer.
To detect a possible leak or tear of a breast implant.
A history of radiation treatments to the chest area between the ages of 10 and 30 years.
A breast MRI is not a substitute for mammography or ultrasound imaging and is used as a supplemental imaging modality as required.
A breast MRI is meant to be used in conjunction with a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound.
A breast MRI may be ordered once a year in high-risk women around the same time as the screening mammogram or in an alternating yearly sequence.
Very high-risk women may be screened by having either a breast MRI or mammogram every 6 months
How do I prepare for a Breast MRI?
Wear loose fitting clothing without metal fasteners/zips.
Do not wear any jewellery, hairpins, watches, eye glasses etc.
Do not wear powder, perfume and/or lotions on your underarms and breasts.
Inform us of any implanted medical devices including pacemakers, defibrillators, implanted drug ports or artificial joints and/or clips in your body.
Report any allergies or kidney problems.
Gadolinium, the contrast/dye administered intravenously (IV) can cause further damage to compromised kidneys.
Inform us if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
An MRI with contrast/dye generally isn’t recommended in pregnancy due to possible risk of the contrast/dye to the foetus.
If you breast feeding, you might want to stop for two days after you have the MRI. The (ACR) American College of Radiology states that the risk to babies from the contrast/dye is low. If you are concerned, stop breastfeeding for at least 12 to 24 hours after the MRI. This will give your body time to get rid of the dye.
You can pump and discard your milk during this time. Before the MRI, you can pump and store milk to feed your baby.
What you can expect?
When you get to your appointment, you will get a gown/robe to wear. You’ll take off your clothes and jewellery.
Inform us if you have trouble being in a small space. You may be given medication to relax you.
Contrast/dye might be injected through an intravenous line in your arm. The contrast allows the tissues, blood vessels etc to be seen in more detail on the images.
The MRI machine has a large, central opening. During the examination, you lie face down on a padded table. Your breasts fit into a hollow space in the table. The space has coils that get signals from the MRI machine. The table then slides into the opening of the machine.
The MRI machine makes a magnetic field around you that sends radio waves to your body. You won’t feel anything. But you may hear loud tapping and thumping sounds from inside the machine. Because of the loud noise, you may get earplugs to wear.
The person doing the test watches you from another room. You can speak to the person at anytime through a microphone. During the test, breathe normally and lie as still as you can.
When is the best time to have a Breast MRI?
Schedule the MRI for the beginning of your menstrual cycle.
If you haven’t yet reached menopause, it is preferable to schedule your MRI around days 5 to 14 of your menstrual cycle.
The first day of your period is day 1 of your cycle. Let the facility know where you are in your cycle so that your breast MRI appointment can be made at the best time for you. Correct timing reduces the risk of false – positive results.
If you are premenopausal with a Mirena/no menstrual cycle a progesterone blood test will be done and an appointment will be made accordingly.
If you are menopausal and on no menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT), a breast MRI can be done at any time.
If you are menopausal on MHT you will be advised when to have your MRI.
How long will this examination take?
The MRI will take about 30 to 60 minutes. However, plan to be available for 60 to 90 minutes. This gives us time to review the images and decide if anything further needs to be done.
When will I get my results?
Usually within a few days. We may schedule an appointment or call you to discuss your results.
Do I need a referral to have a breast MRI?
Yes.