Breast MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast—or Breast MRI—is a test used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast. MRI also may be used for breast implant evaluation, staging breast cancer, evaluating treatment options, and follow-up after treatment is complete. MRI also may be an option for patients with dense breasts and with a strong family history of breast cancer. Please discuss with your physician if breast MRI is appropriate for you.

What is Breast MRI and how is it useful?

Breast MRI is the most sensitive and thereby considered by most experts to be the best imaging technology available for detecting breast cancer. Since breast MRI detects almost all invasive breast cancers, even the smallest, it is revolutionizing the way we diagnose and treat breast cancer.

Unlike mammography, Breast MRI uses no radiation. Instead, radiofrequency waves in a magnetic field create hundreds of images of the breast. The images are captured digitally in three dimensions and show an incredible amount of fine detail. The use of an intravenous contrast called gadolinium is required to best detect breast cancers.

Breast MRI is typically used in certain high-risk patients, as well as in patients who have known breast cancer and includes additional types of images which allow better characterization of certain findings.

Does insurance cover this procedure?

Insurance coverage for breast MRI differs among insurance plans and providers. Please check with your health insurance company to confirm whether this exam is covered and to understand any requirements for eligibility.

What can I expect?

A breast MRI exam is performed with you lying on a platform specially designed for breast MRI. You will be asked to lie face down with your breasts placed in a hollow depression in the scanning table, which contains coils that detect radiofrequency signals from the MRI machine. Your arms will be at your side or above your head. For comfort and optimal imaging, the coils we use can be customized for each breast.

The scanning table will slide your entire body into the large, central opening of the MRI machine. The MRI machine creates a magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. You won’t feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you may hear loud tapping, thumping and other sounds coming from inside the machine. Earplugs are provided which help dampen the noise. and allow the technologist to communicate with you during the exam. The technologist will step into the control area, while staying in constant contact both visually and by the use of the intercom.

How do I prepare for my Breast MRI?

No eyeglasses, jewelry, dentures, hearing aids, or metallic objects of any kind can be brought into the MRI exam room. Wear a two-piece outfit; pants with elastic waistbands are best.

Your exam will be reviewed by a subspecialized breast imaging radiologist and the results sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

If you have questions related to your procedure, please call 319-364-0121. To schedule an appointment, please call 319-364-0121. A physician’s referral is necessary for this exam.

If I have a Breast MRI do, I need to have a mammogram?

MRI screenings do not replace mammograms. A mammogram is the only medical imaging screening test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. Based on current scientific information, it is recommended that you continue with mammograms every year starting at age 40 in addition to any other screening that you may undergo.

How often should I get Breast MRI screening?

Official guidelines for breast MRI screening in women of average to intermediate risk have not been established. However, based on currently available data from the medical literature along with American Cancer Society and American College of Radiology guidelines, we recommend the following breast MRI screening intervals, after an initial negative exam (in addition to yearly mammograms):

• Average risk and dense breasts, less than age 55: Breast MRI every 2 years
• Average risk and dense breasts, 55 and older: Breast MRI every 3 years
• Intermediate risk and dense breasts, less than 55: Breast MRI every year
• Intermediate risk and dense breasts, 55 and older: Breast MRI every 2 years
• High risk, any breast density, any age: Breast MRI every year
• Personal history of breast cancer and dense breasts, any age: Breast MRI every year
• Personal history of breast cancer diagnosed before age 50, any breast density: Breast MRI every year

For more information on this and other radiology procedures, visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
RCI is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).