Breast MRI Computer-Aided Detection

What is a Breast MRI?
In 2004, The New England Journal of Medicine and The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that breast MRI surpasses mammography in detecting breast cancer in women with a family history; for example, having a mother with premenopausal breast cancer or tow immediate relatives. Cancers were consistently detected a small size and an earlier stage.

Breast MRI is a procedure that uses Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), an imaging device that creates a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves (no radiation) to produce images of the human anatomy, specifically breast tissue. Each exam produces hundreds of images and 3-dimensional views of the breast. This information allows for improved surgical and treatment decision-making.

What circumstances call for Breast MRI?
In most circumstances, mammography, ultrasound and physical examinations will be sufficient for a diagnostic assessment. Breast MRI is used in tow special circumstances:

• When a mammogram and ultrasound is inconclusive
• To detect breast implant rupture

What are the benefits of having a Breast MRI?
Early detection improves survival and expands treatment options.  MRI is more accurate in evaluating these features:

• Size of the tumor
• Lymph node involvement
• Metastases
• Response to treatment (chemo and radiation therapy).

These measurements may influence the type of treatment you receive such as a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.

Who are prime candidates for Breast MRI?

• Women diagnosed with cancer
• Women with any lobular breast cancer (a special cancer tissue type)
• Women at high risk due to a strong family history
• Women with dense breasts and inconclusive findings on a mammogram and ultrasound
• Women with scar tissue from prior surgery
• Women with breast implants

How do I prepare for a Breast MRI?

• No advance dietary or prescription restriction is required
• Do not wear jewelry, including your watch, due to magnetic interference
• If menstruating, you must schedule between 7-10 days after your first day of bleeding
• If previous testing was not done at NDIC, you must bring a copy of your mammogram and ultrasound

If I am claustrophobic, what do I do?
If you wish, you may take a mild sedative in advance of this procedure. You will go into the scanner on your stomach, feet first. Your head is right at the opening and there is a mirror in the head holder. By looking into this mirror, you will see outside the scanner into the room. You will also be given music to listen to.

What will occur during the exam?

• An IV will be inserted into your arm causing little discomfort
• You lie on your stomach while your breasts are placed in a coil (holder) for signals to be collected
• The technologist will gently move the table you are lying on into the center of the magnet (camera) area, and you will be instructed not to move to avoid blurring of images
• You will hear periodic thumping noises at different intensities.

What are the drawbacks to having a Breast MRI?
Tiny tumors detected may not be predestined to becoming cancer, so it is not recommended for women with an average breast cancer risk to have an MRI, since the accuracy rate has not been definitively documented.

When will I get the results and how?
In general, results are available to your referring physician within 24 hours. With our new secure online web viewer, your physician can have instant access to your results. As a service to our patients, you may also request a CD of your results.