Getting a Breast MRI at Delaney Radiology

What is Breast MRI?

Breast MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging exam of the breast. Since MRI visualizes internal tissues in ways that complement the capabilities of other imaging methods, such as mammography (which is X-ray-based) and breast ultrasound, MRI has become increasingly important in breast imaging for diagnostic and screening purposes. An important strength that MRI adds to breast diagnosis and screening is the ability to generate highly detailed image “slices” of breast tissue at different depths.

Doctors may recommend breast MRI for women as a:

Screening to supplement the annual mammogram—breast MRI can be an especially important adjunct screening for women with dense breast tissue, which makes breast cancer harder to see in a mammogram, or who have other factors that increase their lifetime breast cancer risk.
Follow-up diagnostic exam after a mammogram that is inconclusive or shows one or more areas of suspicious tissue.
Post-procedure assessment for patients who have received breast cancer treatment, such as a lumpectomy or chemotherapy.

Schedule

AN APPOINTMENT AT DELANEY’S BREAST IMAGING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE!

What should I expect during a breast MRI?

Your doctor may order a “breast MRI with contrast.” This means that you would be injected with or asked to swallow a material to make the breast tissue more visible in MRI images.
If an injected contrast material is needed, an IV may be inserted in your hand or arm prior to test.
During the exam, you will lie facedown on a special table designed for breast MRI exams. The table includes an opening for the breasts, which better exposes the tissue for scanning at different depths. Your technologist will help position you on the table and help you get as comfortable as possible.
While the scanner is operating, it is important to lie still. MRI scans usually require more than one “sequence” of images to be taken. Between sequences, your technologist will let you know when you are able to move slightly. Each sequence can take from approximately 2–15 minutes.
The technologist will need to leave the room briefly to start the imaging sequences, but will remain in visual and verbal communication with you throughout the exam.
The entire exam should last approximately 15–45 minutes.

How should I prepare for a breast MRI?

We recommend that you wear a two-piece outfit such as a blouse with pants or a skirt.
During an MRI exam, metal objects can create interference with magnetic fields and affect image quality. So it is important to remove all accessories including eyeglasses, hair pins, wigs, jewelry, and dentures prior to the exam.
Tell the technologist if you are pregnant or believe there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
It is important to notify the technologist if you have any of the following:
- Pacemaker, artificial heart valve, or defibrillator
- Artificial joints such as a hip or knee replacement
- Metal in your body from medical procedures, such as screws, pins, plates, or surgical staples
- Possible metal foreign objects in your body, such as bullets, shrapnel, or fragments from working with metals in trades or activities, such as sheet metal work or milling
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Tattoos
- Permanent makeup

If you are claustrophobic, please tell the technologist, who can review options to keep you as comfortable as possible. A sedative may also help and can be considered as an option.

Learn More

For more information about breast MRI and its applications, visit the Breast MRI page on Radiology Info.