Breast MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets and radio frequencies, instead of x-rays to produce detailed images of the breast. MRI may show problems in the breast that cannot be seen on an X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan. The MRI records pictures that show your breast’s structure; tissue damage or disease, such as infection, inflammation or lump. MRI may be done with or without and IV injection of contrast (dye) depending upon the indication for the test. MRI does not replace mammorgraphy, but may be used if additional information is considered necessary by your doctor.

• Check women with dense breast tissue and a strong family history of cancer
• Determine the stage of breast cancer so the best treatment can be chosen
• Look at breast tissue changes during treatment for breast cancer
• Check inverted nipples for any sign of breast cancer
• Find a breast implant rupture
• Plan a surgical procedure when a patient has a positive biopsy result

Guidelines about eating and drinking before an MRI exam vary with the specific exam and also with the facility. For some types of exams, you will be asked to fast for 8-12 hours. Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual.

Discuss any serious health problems or if you have recently had surgery. Some conditions, such as severe kidney disease may prevent you from being given contrast material for an MRI. If there is a history of kidney disease, it may be necessary to perform a blood test to determine whether the kidneys are functioning adequately.

Jewelry and other accessories should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the MRI scan. Because they can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit, metal and electronic objects are not allowed in the exam room.
If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.

Please notify our scheduling department and technologists if you believe you may be pregnant. MRI has been used for scanning patients since the 1980's with no reports of any ill effects on pregnant women or their babies. However, because the baby will be in a strong magnetic field, pregnant women should not have this exam unless the potential benefit from the MRI is assumed to outweigh the potential risks.

The exam requires you to lie on your stomach on a coil that has openings for your breasts to hang freely. Your arms will be positioned above your head. If a contrast material will be used in the MRI exam, a nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. A saline solution may be used. The solution will drip through the IV to prevent blockage of the IV line until the contrast material is injected.Be sure to let the technologist know if something is uncomfortable, since discomfort increases the chance that you will feel the need to move during the exam. Even very small movements can limit the ability to get a quality exam. If you feel nervous or claustrophobic, a simple squeeze will alert the technologist and your exam can be stopped immediately. You will hear knocking sounds during the exam. Earplugs are available. Headphones with music will be given for some exams if they would not interfere with the test. It is very important to hold completely still during the exam. Otherwise, repeat scans may be needed.
You will be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit and the radiologist and technologist will leave the room while the MRI examination is performed.The table you lie on may be hard and the room cool, but you will not have any pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test. Your MRI test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.