What is Breast MRI?
Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) combines magnetic fields, radio waves and a computer
system to obtain cross-sectional (very thin) images of the breast. MRI does not use radiation.
Scheduling Your Breast MRI
Timing is important when scheduling a breast MRI in order to reduce the chance of a false positive
finding. When you call to schedule a breast MRI, we will determine the best time for you to have the
most accurate testing possible.
If you have a regular menstrual cycle
Breast MRI is scheduled between day #5 and day #15 of your cycle.
If you have an irregular menstrual cycle
Breast MRI is still scheduled between day #5 and day # 15, but if you have started early, please inform
the MRI technologist prior to your scan.
If you take birth control and do not have a menstrual cycle
Breast MRI can be performed at any time. Also, if you recently stopped birth control and you have not
yet resumed a regular cycle, breast MRI can be performed at any time.
If you are post-menopause and/or you are on most types of hormone replacement therapy
Breast MRI can be performed at any time.
If you are on cyclic hormone replacement therapy
Breast MRI needs to be scheduled during the lowest dose period.
Preparation
Preparation for a breast MRI is relatively simple. You may take your regular medications prior to your
scan. We ask that you DO NOT use any deodorants or antiperspirants because many of these products
contain an aluminum-based anti-caking agent that will interfere with the MRI. If your physician is
prescribing you medication for claustrophobia, please remember that you will need to have someone
with you at the point of registration. They will need to remain at our facility during the scan and we will
discharge you to their care as you will not be allowed to drive home. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to
your appointment time for registration and preparation. Wear comfortable clothes, you will not be
allowed to wear jewelry, watches, hearing aids, hairpins, removable dental work or eyeglasses near the
scanner as they can interfere or damage the magnetic field. We will provide you a “locker” to place all of
your valuables, including your wallet, or you may leave them with the person accompanying you.
During the Scan
During the scan you will be asked to lie on your stomach, and the scan takes about 35-40 minutes. You
may listen to music with headphones and we will also provide earplugs as the MRI scanner is quite loud
at times throughout the scanning process. The technologist will be talking to you through an intercom
during the scan, but it is extremely important that you remain very still throughout the scanning
process. You will have a “call bell” in your hand that you can use at any time you need urgent attention.
Contrast
Breast MRI requires an injection of a special MRI contrast agent into a vein during the scan. MRI contrast
is gadolinium-based, not iodine based, so patients who have iodine allergies may safely receive MRI
contrast agents. Prior to entering the MRI suite, the technologist will review your history, verify your lab
values, and prepare you for the contrast injection by starting an intravenous line.
Results
After your scan is complete, the images are sent to one of our Radiologists from Radiology Associates of
Richmond who specializes in interpreting breast MRI. The radiologist will also compare MRI images to
previous mammograms and/or breast ultrasounds, so we will need to have these available the day of
the scan. If they have been done at one of our Richmond HCA facilities, we will have them on file.
However, it your previous mammograms were done elsewhere, we will need to obtain a CD or films of
the images before we can read your breast MRI. Typically the results of the breast MRI will be available
to your physician within 48 hours. Delays may occur if we do not have all the prior mammograms or
ultrasounds for comparison.
Annual Screening Breast MRI
Annual screening breast MRI is recommended by the American Cancer Society as an adjunct to annual
mammography for women who have a high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. This population
includes:
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Women who have tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation (the “breast cancer” gene) or
who have a first degree relative that tested positive for this gene.
Women who have had ovarian cancer who have not been tested for the BRCA gene.
Women who have received radiation therapy to the chest between the ages 10 and 30.
Women who have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvacalba
syndrome. Women who have a first degree relative with these syndromes are also advised to
undergo annual breast MRI screening.
Women who have a 20-25% lifetime chance of developing breast cancer as defined by the
BRCAPRO or BOADICEA models.
Routine Breast MRI
Breast MRI is also recommended in women who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
Other indications for a breast MRI include inconclusive findings on routine mammography or breast
ultrasound.
If you have any questions about whether breast MRI is right for you, please speak with your physician.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding the breast MRI procedure, please feel free to call our Imaging
Center and ask to speak to one of our MRI technologists.
We will be happy to explain every step of the process.