Diagnoses form the basic foundation for designing an appropriate treatment plan, especially when it comes to benign tumors and malignancies. Breast cancer has been a prevalent medical problem among women over the recent decades. Fortunately, early detection can pave the way for prompt treatment and favored prognosis. Ultrasound, mammography, and MRI are some of the common and frequently recommended diagnostic aids for breast cancer.
Find out more about breast MRI through this informative blog.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women. It occurs when cancerous cells in your breasts multiply and become tumors (a lump). Typically it develops in women over 50 years of age, however, it can affect younger women too.
About 80% of the breast tumors are invasive which means they easily spread from your breasts to other parts of the body.
What is a breast MRI?
Breast MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a painless diagnostic test that scans your breast tissues. It offers the most detailed and accurate pictures using a huge magnet, radio waves, and a computerized system.
It is often the most useful test to detect breast tumors, evaluate the extent of spread, assess breast implants, and check the progress of breast cancer treatment like chemotherapy.
What to expect during a breast MRI?
A breast MRI is performed by a skilled radiologist or radiology technician. Here is what to expect:
- You will be made to remove your clothes and jewelry and made to wear a surgical or radiology gown.
- You will be given an IV line to administer a contrast dye.
- You will be made to lie on the MRI machine table on your stomach. The table consists of openings for your breasts
- The doctor or technician will be present behind a mirrored cabin and interact with you as and when required.
- You are expected to stay still through the procedure
- You will be given earlier plugs to cut off the loud banging sound during the procedure.
- The procedure begins and the machine scans your breasts.
- You will be injected with a contrast dye midway and the images will continue to be captured.
- The entire procedure may take around 15 to 25 minutes depending on the patient’s cooperation. Some patients may be claustrophobic and hesitant to undergo the procedure.
What are the benefits of an MRI?
MRI tests offer the following benefits:
- Offer detailed images
- Fast imaging
- No risk of radiation exposure
- Safer and comfortable
If you think you may be suffering from any breast abnormality, do not hesitate and consult a doctor immediately for further evaluation. They may recommend an MRI for quick and accurate diagnosis.