Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Breast - Homerton ...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the BreastPatient Information SheetWhat is an MRI of the breast?MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI scan is an investigationthat produces pictures of the inside of the body or such as the breast. Themachine which takes the pictures is a large tube shaped magnet about four feetlong, linked to an advance computer. The whole body is inserted into themagnetic tube even if only part of it is being scanned. Unlike an x-ray, an MRIdoes not use radiation to do this.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 theradiologist.Why is Breast MRI used?• To evaluate breast implants for leaks or ruptures.• To assess abnormal areas that are seen on a mammogram• To monitor and check tumour shrinkage during chemotherapy treatment.• After breast cancer is diagnosed to see the size of the tumour.• Sometimes used to image dense breast tissue, especially in youngerwomen.• Viewing any breast abnormalities that can be felt but are not seen on:-1. Mammogram2. Utrasound scan3. After breast surgery4. After radiotherapyMRI scans along with ultrasound and mammograms can find cancers early,when they are very small and easier to treat. MRI is better at finding multiplesites of breast cancer in the same breast. Mammography is often better at findingsmall calcifications that are linked with non-invasive cancers. This means thatboth types of screening are useful.

Breast MRI is not used for a routine breast cancer screening, but clinical trials(research studies) are being performed to see if MRI is valuable for screeningcertain women, such as young women with a high risk of breast cancer.MRI cannot always accurately distinguish between cancer and non-cancerousbreast conditions.Where is MRI scan performed?Breast MRI is a specialised investigation; we do not offer this service atHomerton University Hospital Trust. Our patients are referred to St.Bartholomew’s for their MRI breast scan.You will receive an appointment from St. Bartholomew’s University Hospital NHSTrust for your MRI scan. Along with your appointment letter they will also sendyou details of the x-ray (radiology) department.The scan is usually done as an outpatient procedure, which means that you cango home after your tests. During the scan it is important to lie still and breathenormally; you will be able to communicate with the technologist over an intercom.Who can have an MRI Scan?In some cases you may not be able to have the MRI test done.Before going for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of your breast, informyour health professional and the radiologist if you:• Have a pacemaker, artificial limb, any metal pins or metal fragments inyour body (especially in the eyes), metal heart valves, metal clips in yourbrain, metal implants in your ear, tattooed eyeliner or metallic-basedtattoos, or any other implanted or prosthetic medical device (such as amedication infusion pump). Also, inform your health professional if youhave worked around metal or if you have recently had surgery on a bloodvessel.• You are pregnant or breast feeding unless there are specialcircumstances.• If you have a known allergy to the contrast (dye) used for MRI.• If you have other health conditions, such as serious kidney problems orsickle cell anemia, that may prevent you from having an MRI usingcontrast material.When I arrive?You will be shown to a private cubicle where you will be asked to take off yourouter garments and remove jewellery or any other metallic items you will have on