Breast MRI

MRI of the mammary glands or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a study that significantly helps to establish a diagnosis of the disease and carry out its treatment.

Magnetic resonance imaging is based on the use of a computer system, magnetic fields and high-frequency pulses, which allow obtaining detailed images of organs. As a result, MRI produces images that can be viewed on a monitor, printed or transmitted on information carriers.

It is worth noting that magnetic resonance imaging does not use X-rays.

Precise detailing of images of certain organs or internal systems significantly simplifies the process of identifying a disease if other types of research are ineffective and do not provide a complete picture.

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Indications for MRI of the mammary glands

There are some indications for MRI of the mammary glands:

• Obtaining details about the nature of formations that were detected during mammography;
• Diagnosis of cancerous tumors at early stages, which are almost impossible to detect using other research methods. This is especially true for women with a high risk of this disease;
• Checking the integrity of existing breast implants;
• Diagnostics of connective tissues after surgery to identify scars or relapses of the disease;
• Determining the extent of breast cancer spread before and after surgery;
• Obtaining information about the success of chemotherapy sessions;

Preparation for MRI of the mammary glands

Everyone who is assigned this examination must perform certain actions before the diagnosis. Preparation for MRI of the mammary glands has several points:

• Before having an MRI, you need to make sure that there are no metal parts on your clothes or buy a special shirt for the examination;
• Before magnetic resonance imaging, you should ask your doctor about prescribing a diet or restricting the use of certain medications that may affect the diagnostic results;
• In some cases, MRI doctors may use contrast, which is administered intravenously. Therefore, medical personnel must be provided with all information about the presence of allergies to drugs, as well as about the operations performed, existing serious diseases or pregnancy;
• If you have a fear of closed spaces, you should tell your doctor about it, who in turn can prescribe sedatives;
• It is recommended to leave at home all jewelry that can interact with a magnet. To this group of personal items it is worth adding mobile phones, watches, credit cards, etc.

How is a mammary gland MRI performed?

Of course, everyone who is assigned this examination for the first time is interested in the question: how is MRI of the mammary glands performed?

Typically, this type of diagnostic examination is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalization. The patient is placed on a movable table. The use of belts and rollers is not mandatory, but is possible in cases where it is important to maintain one position for the entire duration of magnetic resonance imaging.

For MRI of mammary glands, the patient is positioned on her stomach, and her breasts hang freely in special holes. In these holes there are soft rollers and a spiral, which takes part in obtaining a good image. When the woman being examined is correctly positioned on the table, it moves into the MRI magnet.

Magnetic resonance imaging lasts on average from 30 minutes to 1 hour, and may consist of several cycles.

After the MRI is completed, the patient is asked to stay for additional images to be taken if needed.

MRI for breast cancer

Breast cancer diagnostics always begins with a visit to an oncologist. The patient must have all available results of previous studies and records from appointments with a mammologist. The doctor conducts an examination and, if necessary, prescribes additional studies, such as a biopsy or MRI.

The breast images obtained from MRI provide all the necessary information about the tumor, its size and extent of spread. This information is essential for prescribing treatment or deciding on surgical intervention.

It is known that without MRI before surgery, one in five patients will still have cancerous lesions in their breasts. In addition, the use of magnetic resonance imaging prevents cases of repeated surgeries.

All women and young girls who are at risk are strongly advised to have an MRI to know the health status of their breasts.

MRI of the mammary glands with contrast

In medical practice, there are cases of MRI of the mammary glands with contrast. The contrast agent serves to provide a clear image of the tissues in the chest. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast can detect pathological formations along with the vessels that feed them, makes it possible to assess the size and location of the tumor, determine its nature, etc.

The use of a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging increases the information content of the study and the detection of breast cancer up to 95%. That is why oncologists often use this type of diagnostics to detect the disease at an early stage of development.

Contraindications to MRI of the mammary glands

In medical practice, there are several contraindications to MRI of the mammary glands.

The most significant of these is pregnancy or breastfeeding. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging is also not recommended for women with diagnosed renal failure.

Moreover, it is always necessary to remember that any type of magnetic resonance imaging is prohibited if the patient has implanted metal fragments in the body. They can significantly spoil the image quality due to distortions of the magnetic field, and the scanner magnet itself will most likely damage them.

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Where can I get an MRI of the mammary glands?

Only your attending physician has the ability to choose the methods of diagnosing the disease. It is he who, based on a detailed study of your medical history, makes a decision on diagnostic tests.

Today, magnetic resonance imaging is recognized as one of the informative means of diagnosing breast diseases.

A special design for breast imaging in an MRI scanner creates light compression during imaging, which allows tissue to be straightened and improves visualization of lesions.

If you are looking for the right answer to the question of where to do an MRI of the mammary glands, we recommend that you find out everything about the rating of the hospital or private clinic you have chosen. Inquire about the level of qualification of doctors and read patient reviews.

Reviews of MRI of the mammary glands

Almost all reviews of MRI of the mammary glands contain information about the examination and sensations before and after the procedure.

Most often, the process of magnetic resonance imaging is painless. There are some difficulties with the fact that sometimes it is difficult for patients to lie in one position during a fairly long examination. Some people experience increased fears, such as claustrophobia.

Often patients report feeling warmth in the area being examined. This is completely normal, but many find it frightening. In these cases, you should tell the medical staff using the built-in communication device inside the MRI machine.

Price of MRI of mammary glands

Of course, every woman, in addition to being interested in the process of magnetic resonance imaging, is concerned about the cost of this type of diagnostics. Having studied the prices for MRI of the mammary glands in various hospitals and clinics, we can confidently say that this study is quite expensive and, perhaps, not everyone can afford it. The average cost of one MRI of the mammary glands is $ 150-300. This fact may stop you, but if you refuse this study, think about what you are risking. Medicine has not yet found a better way to diagnose breast cancer in women. Only an MRI scanner, in combination with other types of research, can tell about the appearance and development of an unwanted disease.