Who needs to have an MRI scan of the breasts?
MRI of the breasts is the most accurate method we have for diagnosing breast cancers. Women at high risk of developing breast cancer (more than 1 in 5 chance. Usually related to family history or BRCA gene mutation carriers) are advised to have an annual breast MRI.
The patient lies face down in the MRI machine and a small amount of dye is injected via a drip which will cause cancers to light up on the scans.Subtle cancers that are only visible on MRI can be biopsied under MRI guidance
Subtle cancers that are only visible on MRI can be biopsied under MRI guidance
A patient goes into the MRI tunnel lying flat on her stomach, her breasts hanging down. A drip is put up and a small amount of intravenous contrast injected during the scan
MRI is also used to help determine extent or multiplicity of a newly diagnosed breast cancer which is particularly helpful in patients scheduled for limited surgical excision.
Lastly, in patients with complex mammograms and ultrasounds where we cannot be certain that cancer is excluded, MRI is an excellent problem solver.
Cancer shown as white mass(lump) against black fatty background – 2D, 3D and with colour appliaction which shows likelihood of malignancy. Red most likely, blue least likely
