Breast MRI

for this procedure. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dye or shellfish.

Your doctor may ask the date of your last menstrual period. Your test will be done between days 5 and 15 of your menstrual cycle. This is the time when your breast tissue is less dense.

Your doctor may do the following: ‚

An x-ray test may be taken if there are any metal objects in your body.
Ask you to take off your watch, jewelry, hearing aids, and all other metal objects on your body.

If you have been given a drug to help you relax, you will need to have someone to drive you home after the test. ‚

What happens during the procedure?

You will lie face down on a special platform. It has spaces for your breasts to be scanned without being compressed. The platform moves into the large magnetic tunnel at the center of the MRI scanner.
A special tool may be placed to watch your pulse, heart rate, and breathing.
If you are having a contrast dye, or drugs to help you relax, the staff will put a needle into your vein in your arm.
You may be given earplugs or headphones to help block out the noise. The machine often makes loud and knocking noises while it is working.
The staff will watch you from the other room. The staff can hear you. They will talk to you through the earphones during the test. It is important that you do not move during the test.
The magnetic field is made and radio waves are sent from the scanner. The waves react in your body and respond with signals. These signals are received by the computer. They are changed into pictures of the tissues inside your breast. The picture will appear on a viewing monitor.
When the test is over, the table you are lying on will move out from the magnetic tunnel. The I.V. line and devices will be removed. The staff will cover the injection site with clean bandages.
The test takes 1 to 2 hours.

What happens after the procedure?

Use pressure on the injection site to help stop bleeding.
You will need to wait until the pictures are checked. In some cases, the staff may need to take more pictures.
The doctor will talk to you about the results a few days after.
You can go home right after your test.

What care is needed at home?

If you have been given drugs to relax, you should not drive or run machinery for at least 24 hours.
If you were given dye, drink lots of fluids to help flush the dye out of your body.
You can go back to your normal activities and diet after the test.
If you are breastfeeding and get a contrast dye, your doctor will tell you when you can start to breastfeed again.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
The results will help your doctor understand what kind of breast problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.

What problems could happen?

Bleeding or infection from I.V. site ‚

Helpful tips

MRI does not use radiation or x-rays. It is safe for women younger than 40 years old. During those years, breast tissues are more sensitive to radiation.
MRI is the most sensitive test to find out early breast cancer for women who are at high risk.

Where can I learn more?

Radiology Info ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=breastmr ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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