Breast MRI

Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a strong magnetic field to image the breast.  Breast  MRI is performed at Vail Valley Medical Center MRI department.  For a breast MRI that is done to detect cancer, an IV line will be inserted and contrast (dye) is injected to help visualize the breast tissue.  You will lie on your stomach and both of your breasts will hang freely into a breast coil when you are placed in the MRI.  The technologist will leave the room and a series of images will be taken. As the images are taken, the MRI unit will make various noises.  You can expect the exam to be about 1 hour.  Breast MRI is painless however, many people experience claustrophobia.  If you need to be sedated please speak with your care provider prior to arriving at the MRI department. 

Please remember that MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and evaluating other breast abnormalities.

Breast MRI is recommended for:
•  Evaluation of  women who have abnormalities detected on mammography or ultrasound
•  Women at high lifetime risk of breast cancer greater than 20%  A breast cancer risk calculator can be found at www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool.com
•  Women with dense breast tissue
•  Women with recent cancer diagnosis to determine the extent of the disease
•  Evaluation of recurrent tumors verses scar tissue
•  Access the effect of chemotherapy
•  Determining the integrity of breast implants (no contrast is needed for this study)

Please inform the technologist prior to the exam if you:
•  Have a pacemaker
•  Cochlear implant
•  Brain or aneurysm clip
•  Have a artificial heart valve
•  Have implanted drug infusion ports
•  Have implanted electronic device
•  Have artificial limbs or metallic joint prostheses
•  Have implanted nerve simulators
•  Have any metal pins, screws, plates, stents or surgical staples.
•  If you are pregnant