Breast MRI is a technology which uses magnets and radio waves instead of radiation to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images of the breast. It is generally used to provide more information about a suspicious area found in a physical exam or mammogram, though in some circumstances, it can be used as another screening tool. A patient must first be referred by a general physician to receive a breast MRI. This is typically after having a mammogram, ultrasound and possibly a biopsy.
Who benefits from a breast MRI?
- Patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer
- Patients at high risk
- Patients with problematic implants
- Patients with challenging mammograms
MRI benefits include:
- A more accurate diagnosis
- The ability to find certain abnormalities earlier
- Better surgical planning for those already diagnosed with breast cancer
During the breast MRI, a woman lies face down on the MRI table. Her breasts are placed in a coil designed specifically to fit breasts. A series of scans will be taken before contrast is given for additional scans. Four, 90- second scans will be performed to see what blood flow to the breast tissue looks like. The software program used by the breast MRI helps pinpoint any suspicious areas in close to 1,000 images taken for each patient. It takes approximately 45 minutes for the exam.
For a patient already diagnosed with cancer, the breast MRI will improve surgical planning. The MRI will give the surgeon an idea of the true size of the tumor and will allow the surgeon to look for additional cancers in the breasts. This technology allows the surgeon to be more informed of what surgery best suits the patient, as well as eliminate numerous surgeries.
Breast MRI in Eastern Oklahoma
Learn More About Saint Francis Breast Health Services
Saint Francis Breast Health Services offers multiple services and locations across eastern Oklahoma.
The physicians, staff and volunteers of Saint Francis Health System are dedicated to the healthcare of our communities. To learn more about services provided through Saint Francis, please call Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.