How is Breast MRI for cancer detection performed?
Breast MRI for cancer detection can be performed of one or both breasts. At this facility, we perform MRI of only one breast at a time. If the patient requires both breasts to be imaged, the studies will be performed on two separate days. These studies always require intravenous contrast (dye). The dye will be given through an intravenous line toward the end of the test. The only way the cancers are well visualized is by the fact that they take up the dye (enhance). The study is performed between the 6th and 16th day of the menstrual cycle, which is the time in the cycle when normal breast tissue takes up relatively less of the MRI dye and, therefore, we are better able to differentiate breast cancer from normal glandular tissue. The patient will lie on her stomach during the examination. The examination will take approximately 45 minutes. It is very important to remain still. Why order a Breast MRI? The most common reasons to order a Breast MRI are: • Screening for cancer in high risk
