You might be wondering what a breast MRI is or why your doctor should require one before diagnosing your condition. A breast MRI provides cross-sectional breast imaging to facilitate the diagnosis of breast cancers.
Doctors recommend this imaging test as part of a woman's regular cancer screening or screening for potential conditions in the breast.
Los Angeles Diagnostics is a leading provider of breast MRI. We have state-of-the-art equipment and skilled personnel to support you throughout the procedure. You can walk into our premises and schedule a breast MRI or call beforehand to schedule with us.
Now let’s learn more about breast MRIs, why they are necessary, and what you can expect during the MRI.
What is a Breast MRI
A breast MRI is a non-invasive imaging procedure used to diagnose medical conditions of the breast. An MRI machine works using a powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to realign the body's molecules and produce detailed breast pictures.
Breast MRIs provide valuable information on breast conditions that might be undetectable through imaging techniques like ultrasounds or mammograms. Breast MRIs are not alternatives to other imaging techniques, but doctors often use them as a tool to supplement the findings of a mammogram or ultrasound.
A breast MRI is an ideal tool for the following applications:
- In the screening of breast cancer in women with a higher risk of the disease. A woman has a higher risk of breast cancer due to a strong family history of breast cancer, including women from your mother or father’s side who developed breast cancer before they were 50 years.
- A breast MRI is also used in determining the extent of a newly diagnosed breast cancer. The MRI will help your doctor determine the size of the cancer and the presence of other cancers within the same breast, the possibility of undetected cancer in the other breast, and check for abnormally large lymph nodes in the armpits.
- Evaluating abnormalities that are hard to see through a mammogram
- Evaluating lumpectomy following breast cancer treatment to check for recurring cancer, which might look like the scar tissue following a breast cancer treatment
- An MRI helps in monitoring the success of chemotherapy in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy before surgery)
- An MRI is also useful for checking whether silicone breast implants have ruptured. An MRI is important if you have breast implants, whether these are for cosmetic or restorative purposes. An MRI every three years will allow your physician to check the integrity of these implants.
Mammograms are the standard screening tool for the early detection of breast cancer. However, they are not as effective at detecting early-stage breast cancer in women with dense breast tissues. In these instances, the accuracy of a mammogram drops to 50%, thus necessitating the use of other imaging techniques for better screening outcomes.
You should also consider a breast MRI if:
- You have a history of radiation exposure to the chest
- You have a risk of 20% or higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
- You have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or Cowden syndrome.
How Does a Breast MRI Work
An MRI machine is a large tube-shaped machine. The MRI has an electrical component that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient, which, coupled with radiofrequency waves, causes the realignment of hydrogen atoms within the body.
The radiofrequency waves help the computer unit of the MRI machine create an image of the body structures based on the alignment of the hydrogen atoms. When the radio frequency waves come into contact with the hydrogen atoms, they form pulses that a scanner interprets as images.
For a breast MRI, the patient lies down with the breasts positioned through openings in the MRI table. Not all MRI machines can provide breast screening; therefore, you should consult with the MRI provider before booking an appointment. Breast MRIs require a contrast fluid usually injected through a vein in the arm to allow for clearer images.
Research shows that an MRI can detect small lesions, making them ideal for detecting breast cancer early in high-risk women under forty, those with breast implants, and younger women with dense breast tissue.
Preparing for a Breast MRI
A breast MRI does not require much preparation as you would when going in for surgery. Nonetheless, take certain precautions before you come in for the procedure.
First, you have to notify your doctor if you have any metals in your body. You will be in a strong magnetic field during the procedure and the presence of any metals creates the risk of injury. Implants such as inner ear implants and pacemakers could malfunction inside an MRI machine.
Take off any metallic objects before entering the MRI room. These objects include jewelry, credit cards, hairpins, pins, hearing aids, removable dental work, metal zippers, body piercings, pocketknife, and electronic devices.
You must be screened for safety before entering an MRI room if you have any of the following:
- Some types of cochlear implants
- Some types of clips for brain aneurysms
- Metal clips placed inside blood vessels
- Older models of cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers
You must notify the doctor if you have had exposure to metals inside your body through your career or from injuries such as a bullet wound. If you have concerns about the presence of metals inside your body, your doctor could order an X-ray.
You must notify your doctor if you are or suspect you are pregnant. MRIs have been done since the 1980s and are considered safe. While there have been no proven risks on pregnant women, women in their first trimester are not advised to undergo an MRI unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
In most cases, doctors will choose an MRI over other imaging techniques when pregnant as an MRI does not expose you or the growing fetus to radiation.
Informing your doctor about your pregnancy or suspected pregnancy helps the technologist decide on the best contrast material to use during the breast MRI.
A breast MRI is usually done with a contrast material; therefore, you must notify your doctor if you have any allergic reactions to gadolinium or iodine contrast. In most cases, where patients are allergic to iodine contrast, the doctor will use gadolinium. Premedication might be necessary for patients who are allergic to both gadolinium and iodine.
Another thing to remember when preparing for a breast MRI is to inform the doctor about any recent conditions you have had, including surgery. Conditions like severe kidney disease require a specific type of contrast that is safe to use in patients with the condition. The doctor might have to order certain tests to determine the condition of your kidneys.
You should also notify your doctor if you have claustrophobia or anxiety. Your doctor can prescribe some anxiety medications or a mild sedative to help you during the procedure.
Additional tips for preparing for a breast MRI include:
- Check with your insurance provider so you know whether they pay for MRI screening
- Follow any instructions the doctor provides
- Familiarize yourself with how an MRI works to avoid surprises during the procedure
- Carry the necessary documents, including your insurance card and driver's license
- Continue taking your medication.
- Inform the doctor about all prescriptions, over-the-counter and herbal medication, or supplements you might be taking.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing that does not have any metal elements such as zipper or fasteners
- Inform the doctor about any tattoos you have, including tattooed eyeliner (tattoo dye may contain metals, which may heat up during the procedure. If these are near or in your eyes, they could cause permanent eye damage and blindness.
- Arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment so you can fill out the required paperwork before you go in for the procedure.
What to Expect During a Breast MRI
A breast MRI is a painless procedure that lasts between thirty and ninety minutes, depending on the extent of the exam. While this procedure is painless, some patients experience discomfort, especially when trying to stay still. The scanner is also noisy, which might be uncomfortable for others. If you are claustrophobic, you might experience discomfort from being in the enclosed MRI scanner.
You may be given earplugs or headphones to block out the noise from the scanner. You can also communicate directly with the technologist through the provided two-way intercom. The intercom allows the technologist to communicate. The technologist uses the intercom when directing you on the breathing pattern to follow for better imaging results.
If you are claustrophobic, you may receive a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure. You may also have your favorite music to keep you occupied during the procedure.
The doctor will inject a contrast dye through your arm before or during the procedure. You might have a flushed feeling and experience some pain at the injection site. Some people also experience mild effects such as nausea. You should notify the doctor if you experience symptoms such as irritation of the eyes or itchiness.
When the MRI begins, you will hear loud whirring and thumping as the scanner creates the magnetic field and produces the radio frequency waves to allow for imaging.
In most cases, you will be alone in the MRI room. However, the doctor might allow a friend or family inside the MRI room as long as they are screened for safety before entering the MRI room.
You might feel some warmth during the procedure, especially when the scanner is recording the images. This usually lasts a short while, but you should still notify the technologist if you are uncomfortable.
A radiologist will review the breast MRI results and interpret the findings. He or she will then submit these findings to your doctor for review. Normally, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment after the procedure.
A breast MRI result shows black and white images. These white spots might indicate abnormalities in the breast tissues. Your doctor might order a biopsy or additional tests if they suspect that the abnormal tissue could be cancerous.
A breast MRI is an outpatient procedure. You can resume your usual activity and diet habits as soon as the MRI is complete. However, if you were sedated, you might need help driving home and some rest to prevent accidents.
Risks and Limitations
A breast MRI is a safer alternative to imaging tests that use radiation. Even though they are relatively safe, breast MRIs come with certain risks such as:
- False-positive results. Although an MRI is ideal for imaging breast tissue, it cannot distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous growths. Therefore, you will need a more invasive procedure such as a biopsy to confirm the results of an MRI. These invasive treatments increase the risks of tissue, blood vessel, or nerve damage.
- Some patients are allergic to the contrast material used during the procedure. Breast MRIs usually require a contrast material for better visibility of the breast tissues. However, for allergic people, the doctors might have to pre-medicate you or use alternative imaging methods. Patients with severe kidney problems could also experience complications from contrast dyes.
- Where sedation is used, the risk of using too much sedation exists. However, your vital signs will be monitored closely during the procedure to ensure you are safe.
- Implanted medical devices may malfunction or be erased due to the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine. These devices might also distort the resulting images.
- Nursing mothers might have to stop breastfeeding 24-48 hours after the procedure, especially if a contrast dye was used.
A breast MRI also has certain limitations such as:
- A breast MRI is sometimes incapable of distinguishing between cancer tissues and edema
- An MRI is costlier compared to other imaging techniques. You can discuss the pricing and payment terms with your doctor and MRI provider and check whether your insurance company covers breast MRIs.
- Pregnant women in their first trimester are advised against getting an MRI due to the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine unless the procedure is medically necessary.
- An irregular heartbeat might affect the quality of the images produced
- Scanners with a weight limit might not be ideal for imaging a bigger patient
- High-quality images rely on the patient's ability to remain still throughout the procedure. Patients experiencing pain, discomfort, or anxiety might have trouble staying still or following the recommended breathing patterns; therefore, affecting the resulting images.
Breast MRI FAQs
Does the MRI Hurt?
A breast MRI is a painless procedure. However, some people experience discomfort from lying on their stomachs.
What Are The Benefits Of A Breast Mri?
A breast MRI is an ideal tool for screening for breast cancer, especially in women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. While a mammogram is the standard screening test for breast cancer, it might miss up to 40% of cancers, especially in women with dense breast tissues. Therefore, the chances of catching early-stage breast cancer increases when a mammogram is used in conjunction with an MRI.
Can I Have An Mri Instead Of A Mammogram?
Mammograms and breast MRI are important tools in the screening of breast cancer. Therefore, the best results come from combining the two instead of using one imaging tool in isolation. You should, therefore, not approach breast MRIs as a replacement for other standards breast screening methods such as mammograms, clinical self-exams, or biopsies.
Are Breast MRIs Accurate?
A breast MRI is a reliable diagnostic tool for most cancers. However, a breast MRI might miss low-grade DCIs. The breast tissue is also likely to be affected by the menstrual cycle leading to false negatives. Your doctor will ask about your menstrual cycle and any hormone treatments you could be taking before the MRI.
Why Do I Need An Mri After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
While an MRI might seem unnecessary when you already have a breast cancer diagnosis, the procedure is crucial in providing additional information about the cancer. Some of the details an MRI reveals include:
- Determining the spread of the disease
- Collecting additional information to help with the treatment process
- Assessing the opposite breast for possible tumors
- Assessing multiple tumor locations
- Assess the effectiveness of chemotherapy
- To check for recurrent tumors
Does The Menstrual Cycle Affect The Results Of A Breast MRI
The menstruation cycle affects the appearance of the breast tissue due to hormonal changes. These changes could result in a false positive if the breast MRI is not time correctly. In premenopausal women, the ideal time to have a breast MRI is between days 7 and 15 of the menstrual cycle. Postmenopausal women can have a breast MRI at any time.
Does Insurance Cover Breast MRI?
A majority of insurance providers cover breast MRI. However, you must consult your insurance agent to determine the terms of coverage, whether you need a written referral and other paperwork necessary to obtain coverage.
Find a Breast MRI Near Me
A breast MRI is an essential diagnostic and screening tool for breast cancer in high-risk women. The procedure allows doctors to image the breast tissue and overcome some of the limitations of a mammogram or ultrasound. Aside from helping with detecting breast cancer in its early stages, doctors rely on MRIs to track breast cancer treatment and develop a treatment plan that works based on the imaging results. Los Angeles Diagnostics consists of radiologists and technologists who work together to offer patients breast MRIs. We have specialized and comfortable equipment, including open MRI machines, to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. You can call our offices at 323-486-7502 to book your appointment and discuss any concerns you have with us.
