Breast MRI

Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Owensboro's premier provider of radiological care, now offers the very latest weapon in the fight against Breast Cancer, Breast MRI and MRI-guided breast biopsy performed on the tri-state's only 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner.

The addition of Breast MRI and MRI-guided biopsy at RDI is a significant enhancement in Women's Healthcare in our area. 3T breast MRI enables us to see very fine details in the breast. The difference between an early-stage cancer and a harmless lesion can be quite subtle. We recommend that all women have a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40, and those at high risk should have the exam earlier. For these high-risk women, breast MRI used in addition to a mammogram and ultrasound provides the most advanced cancer detection available. Early detection is crucial in breast cancer.

Because an accurate diagnosis is essential, its often necessary to take a tissue sample to confirm or rule out cancer. Traditionally, breast biopsies meant surgery, particularly in women with a family history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue or women with breast implants. At RDI, our physicians use the precision of the MRI scanner to guide instruments specially developed to work inside the scanner's magnetic field. The result is highly accurate, minimally invasive MRI-guided biopsy.

Our goal is to provide women with fast, accurate diagnoses. Breast MRI improves our ability to detect cancer and determine the extent to which it has spread. This information is essential to providing the most effective treatment possible and maximizing the patients survivability.

Getting Ready for your Breast MRI:
There are no special preparations necessary prior to your MRI breast exam. You should continue any medications prescribed by your doctor, unless you have been informed otherwise. It's recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing, but remember that you will be asked to remove upper body clothing and put on an examination gown. Ideally breast MRI is scheduled during the 2nd week of your cycle, assuming you are pre-menopausal. However, for patients with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer or another reason to do the exam as soon as possible, we will do the exam regardless of menstrual history.

Any metal objects such as earrings, eyeglasses, or hairpins must be removed prior to the exam. Be sure to inform the technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy. You may also want to avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages prior to scanning so you will be able to lie still for several minutes at a time.

The Test:
MRI breast exams are routine procedures that involve several simple steps. To begin with, you will be asked to remove all clothing from the waist up. You will be provided with an open-backed gown, and a technician may insert an IV into your arm if contrast agents are needed. Next, you are asked to lie on your back on the machine's cushioned exam table. The table will gently advance you into the scanner to produce the first run of images. Finally, you will be asked to reverse your gown so that the opening is at the front. A special "breast coil" will be attached to the table, and the technician will assist you in lying face down, so that your breasts will drop into the breast coil. If IV contrast is needed, it will be administered at this time.

After the Test:
You can return to your normal activities right away. Your regular doctor or physician that ordered the Breast MRI will inform you of your test results. The exam will last about an hour.

MR-Guided Breast Biopsy:
During an MR-Guided Breast Biopsy, the Radiologist will use magnetic resonance imaging to guide a needle into the suspicious area to remove a tissue sample. The biopsy procedure is ordered when the area of concern is not well seen on a mammogram or ultrasound and only seen on an MRI of the breast. Small breast lesions that are not visible on other imaging studies are made visible on an MRI using contrast material. Benefits of an MR-guided breast biopsy are that they are less invasive than surgical biopsy, requires only a local anesthetic, and leaves little or no scarring.

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