Breast Exam Table for MRI Unit Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast – or breast MRI - is a non-invasive test that assists in diagnosing problems in the breast by using a strong magnetic field. MRI uses a combination of magnets and radiowaves to test the breast. The scanner then receives the natural radio frequencies emitted by tissues in the breast to create images interpreted by a radiologist. Mammograms use x-rays to generate images of the breast tissue to search for cancer. Breast MRI is a different imaging technique that captures multiple cross-sectional pictures of your breast without any ionizing radiation exposure. Breast MRI looks at the blood supply to the breast. Breast MRI does not replace a mammogram, but is an additional screening tool used for women at high-risk of developing breast cancer. Women with a greater than 20% lifetime risk for developing breast cancer should consider being screened using breast MRI, along with their annual mammogram. Women are considered high-risk if they have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, received chest radiation for Hodgkin’s disease, or have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer. Breast MRI may also be recommended for women who have an increased risk of breast cancer. Breast MRI poses minimal risk to most patients. However, since the MRI scanner uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create images, there may be a danger in screening patients who have implanted mechanical devices such as pacemakers that use electricity to operate. Before the scan, the patient will be asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire to determine if any risks are involved. There will be additional questions about prior history of breast cancer, prior high-risk benign biopsy, or dense breast tissue. Your doctor can help you determine your personal risk level and if breast MRI is appropriate for you. What to Expect: During the MRI scan, you will lie face down on your stomach. There is no compression of the breasts during the exam. There is no special preparation. Contrast is used in this exam to help highlight any breast abnormalities. The contrast is injected intravenously during the exam and is hypoallergenic. The clear contrast passes out of the body in about a day. The duration of the exam is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The actual scan time will be about 30 minutes. Although MRI exams are covered by insurance, please contact your insurance company for your personal coverage guidelines. Information: Radiology Information Resource for Patients Breast MRI Locations for Breast MRI: • St. Francis Medical Center • St. Mary's Hospital • Reynolds Crossing Imaging Center Commonwealth Radiology, P.C. 1508 Willow Lawn Dr. Ste. 117 Richmond, Virginia 23230 804-288-8327 www.commonwealthradiology.com