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WHAT IS BREAST MRI?

Compared to mammography, a Breast MRI is a completely different way of looking at the breast.

It is an advanced tool using sophisticated computers and 3-D techniques that looks deep into the breast to discover abnormalities that might not be visible in other exams.

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DO I STILL NEED TO HAVE A MAMMOGRAM IF I HAVE A BREAST MRI?
Absolutely. A Breast MRI should never take the place of your annual X-ray mammogram. Even if you have a normal Breast MRI, you should still continue to have an annual mammogram, one of the most effective tools in breast cancer detection.

WHAT IS THE BREAST MRI EXAM LIKE?
The exam typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. First, patients must change into a hospital gown. Then, an IV is inserted into your arm. You will lie face down on a table, where the breasts are positioned into cup-like indentations on the table. The table is then moved into the MRI machine. You will need to lie very still as images are taken. About halfway through the exam, you will receive a painless injection, and then more images are taken.

If you are claustrophobic or anxious about your Breast MRI exam, don’t worry. We can provide you with medication that will make you very comfortable during the exam. However, you will need someone to drive you home.

After the exam is complete, special computers are used to analyze the enormous number of images. Results of the exam are not immediately available. Your physician will be contacted with the results.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BREAST MRI AND A MAMMOGRAM?

  MAMMOGRAM BREAST MRI
Used For Screening Specific breast problems
Radiation Yes No
Widely Available Yes No
Injection No Required
Covered by Insurance Usually Usually
You Cannot Undergo MRI If You Have
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A pacemaker
Residual pacemaker leads
A TENS unit or residual wires
A Defibrillator (AICD)
Any internal pump device
An inner ear implant
A brain aneurysm clip
Any metal in your eyes

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THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS/SITUATIONS MAY AFFECT THE SCHEDULING OF YOUR BREAST MRI.

Pre-menopause Must schedule between days 5-14 of cycle.
Postmenopause If on HRT, must discontinue for at least 30 days prior to MRI.
Birth Control Medication Notify us at scheduling.
Chemotherapy Insurance covers MRI before & after completion of therapy only.
Radiation Therapy (XRT) Must wait for 6 months after completion date.
Lumpectomy Can be imaged immediately after, before additional therapy.
Breast Biopsy Okay for MRI.
Mammograms Must have most recent mammogram and report on site on appointment day.

All patients will receive an IV, because an injection is required during exam.

Estrogen affects the results of Breast MRI. You may be asked to discontinue estrogen medication at scheduling which may delay your exam.

WHEN IS A BREAST MRI NECESSARY?
A mammogram typically is used as a first test for breast abnormalities. If a mammogram detects a problem, further specialized mammography and/or ultrasound may be used. If your doctor is still concerned, a Breast MRI is a diagnostic tool that may be considered.

Breast MRI has been proven to potentially have value when other tests are inconclusive.

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