Breast Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
Patient Information Sheet
Patient Information
Breast Team
Incorporating hospital and community health services, teaching and research
What is an MRI of the breast?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An
MRI scan is an investigation that produces pictures
of the inside of the body or part of the body such as
the breast. The machine which takes the pictures is
a large tube shaped magnet about four feet long,
linked to an advanced computer. The whole body
passes through the tube even if only one part of it is
being scanned. Unlike an x-ray, an MRI does not use
radiation therefore it is safe.
An MRI of the breast produces detailed images of
the breast from side to side, top to bottom, and front
to back. These images are then interpreted by the
radiologist.
Why is a Breast MRI used?
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An investigation of your breasts to detect or
provide
more
information
about
an
abnormality
To assess accurate size or the extent of the
tumour
To assess whether there is more than one
tumour
To monitor and check tumour shrinkage
during chemotherapy treatment
In general younger women have dense
breast tissue which does not allow
abnormalities
to
show
clearly
on
mammogram and ultrasound
To investigate breast abnormalities that can
be felt but are not seen on:1. Mammogram
2. Ultrasound scan
3. After breast surgery
4. After radiotherapy
5. After chemotherapy
6. To evaluate breast implants for leaks or
ruptures
 MRI scans along with ultrasound and
mammograms can detect cancers early,
when they are very small and easier to treat.
 MRI is better at finding multiple tumour
locations in the same breast.
Mammography is better at finding small
calcifications that are linked with non-invasive
cancers. This means that both types of
investigations are useful.
Breast MRI is not used for routine breast cancer
screening. Clinical trials (research studies) are being
performed to see if MRI would be valuable for
screening certain women, such as young women
with a high risk of breast cancer.
MRI cannot always accurately distinguish between
cancer and non-cancerous breast conditions.
Where is MRI scan performed?
Breast MRI is a specialised investigation; we offer
this service at Homerton University Hospital. You will
receive details of your scan appointment by letter or
by phone.
MRI at Homerton Hospital is performed in X-ray 1
situated on the main corridor of the hospital.
Occasionally we may have to refer you to St.
Bartholomew’s Hospital NHS Trust for this
investigation. You will receive your MRI scan
appointment from them along with details of how to
find the X-ray (radiology) department.
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The scan is done as an outpatient procedure,
which means that you can go home immediately
after your investigation.
Who cannot have an MRI Scan?
In most cases, an MRI exam is safe with metal
implants, however in some cases it may not be
possible to have this investigation done if you have
the following:
 a pacemaker, artificial limb, any metal pins or
metal fragments in your body (especially in
the eyes) like heart valves, clips in your brain,
implants in your ear, tattooed eyeliner or
metallic-based tattoos, or any other implanted
or prosthetic medical device (such as a
medication infusion pump).
 inform your health professional if you have
worked around metal or if you have recently
had surgery on a blood vessel
 You are pregnant or breast feeding unless
there are special circumstances
 if you have a known allergy to the contrast
(dye) used for MRI
 Any other health conditions like serious kidney
problems or sickle cell anaemia that may
prevent you from having an MRI using
contrast material.
 any body jewellery that cannot be removed or
nail extensions with metal decorations
Inform and seek the advice of your health
professional and radiographer.
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival you will be shown to a private cubicle to
get undressed and put on a gown provided by the
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hospital. You will have to remove all jewellery or any
other metallic items, preferably before you come for
your investigation. The hospital is not responsible for
loss of any valuables.
Who will I see?
You will be looked after by a small team including a
radiologist and radiographer who will perform the
examination.
If you have any questions you can ask them.
What happens during the MRI scan?
You will be taken into a special room and made
comfortable on the table. During an MRI of the
breast, you will be asked to lie on your stomach on
the scanning table.
Breast MRI Machine
The breasts are placed into the specially designed
hollows in the table, which contains coils that detect
the magnetic signal. The coils do not cause any
discomfort to the breast.
The table is then moved into the magnetic tube for
the scan to take place.
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When you first arrive the technician may insert a
needle into a vein (IV line) in your arm.
The purpose for this is to allow
a contrast agent (dye) to be
injected during the scan. After
taking a number of images
(pictures, scans), you may feel
the technician injecting the
contrast agent through the
needle before taking more
images. This may cause a
warm feeling for a short while.
The
contrast
agent
not
radioactive and helps improve
the quality of the pictures.
During the test the radiographer
monitors you from another
room. You will be able to
communicate
with
the
radiographer
through
an
intercom. You will be asked to
breathe normally but it is
important to keep still avoiding
any motion artefacts (artefacts:
shows up on the scanner and
can affect the image quality).
Breast Coil
Glide head first
The entire imaging session can take up to an hour.
Can I bring a relative/friend?
Yes, but for the reasons of safety they will not be
able to accompany you into the scanning room. They
can only accompany the patient in the scanning
room under special circumstances.
What are the Benefits and Risks?
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There are no known dangers or side effects
connected to an MRI scan (unless you have some
types of surgical implant e.g. pacemaker)
 The test is non invasive and does not cause
any pain
 MRI does not involve the use of x-rays
 The contrast dye injected into a vein shows
detailed features of the breast tissues. Rarely
side effects can occur with this contrast (dye).
 Although the scanner is open at both ends
some people find this test claustrophobic. If
you are nervous in confined spaces you need
to discuss this with your doctor before you
come for your scan. We need to know this in
advance as you may need medication to help
you stay relaxed
 The machine makes loud thumping noises
while it is working, which you might find
unpleasant. You will be given ear plugs to
wear to help muffle the noise or you may be
able to have music or the radio played
through the intercom.
You will be asked to sign a consent form saying you
understand the MRI investigation and agreed to have
the test done.
When will I know the results?
The radiologist, who is an expert in this field, will
interpret these images and prepare a report for
your doctor. The results of your MRI will be
discussed in your next breast appointment.
If for any reason you are unable to attend this
appointment or need to change your appointment
time, even at a short notice, please inform the
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appropriate department. This is very important
because this appointment can be offered to
another patient who is on the waiting list.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for your
appointment.
Please bring with you all the medications you are
taking.
If you need an advocate in your language, please
inform the radiology department before you come
for your investigation.
For further information please contact:
Contact at Homerton Hospital
MRI Secretaries
020 8510 7375
020 8510 7848
Breast Cancer Nurse:
020 8510 7023
(St. Bartholomew’s Hospital)
MRI Radiologist Reception:
020 346 55305
Health and Cancer Information Centre (Health Shop)
The Health Shop is a drop in Health and Cancer Information
Centre, based at the main entrance of the hospital. It
provides information and support on cancer and cancer
related issues.
Macmillan Cancer Information Manager:
Tel No: 0208 510 5191
Email: madhu.agarwal@homerton.nhs.uk
Website: www.homerton.nhs.uk
Homerton Hospital PALS (Patients Advice & Liaison
Service)
PALS is based in the main reception of the hospital.
Email: pals@homerton.nhs.uk
Tel: 020 8510 7315 (9am – 5pm)
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PALS provides confidential information and support,
helping you to sort out any difficulties or concerns you
have whilst in hospital, guiding you through the different
services from the NHS.
Further Information
Breast Cancer Care
Provides information and support to those affected by
breast cancer - women and men, their partners, families &
friends. Produces a range of booklets and leaflets on
Breast Cancer.
Kiln House 210 New Kings Road, London SW6 4NZ
Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (10am- 5pm Monday to Friday &
10am-2pm Saturdays)
Email: info@breastcancer.org.uk
Website: www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Breakthrough Breast cancer
Dedicated to saving lives by finding the causes of breast
cancer, improving detection, diagnosis, treatment and
services
Helpline No: 08080 100 200
Email: info@breakthrough.org.uk
Website: http://www.breakthrough.org.uk
Macmillan Cancerline
Free information and emotional support for people living
with cancer.
89 Albert Embankment
London, SE1 7UQ
National Helpline No: 0808 808 2020
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Related websites
http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.apx
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
www.radiologyinfo.org
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If English is not your first language or you have problems
understanding this leaflet please let a member of staff
know.
Important information
Please remember that this leaflet is intended as general
information only. It is not definitive. We aim to make the
information as up to date and accurate as possible, but
please be warned that it is always subject to change.
Please, therefore, always check specific advice on the
Hand Hygiene
In the interests of our patients the trust is committed to
maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Hand hygiene is a very important factor in controlling
infection. Alcohol gel is widely available throughout our
hospitals at the patient bedside for staff to use and also at
the entrance of each clinical area for visitors to clean their
hands before and after entering.
Other formats
If you require this leaflet in any other please speak to your
clinical nurse specialist (Keyworker)
Reference
The following team members have been consulted and
agreed this patient information:
Consultant, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Keyworker),
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager and
Patient
Produced: Breast team
Reviewed: May 2014
Next date: May 2016
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Tel: 020 8510 5555
Website: www.homerton.nhs.uk
Email:enquiries@homerton.nhs.uk
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