Breast MRI

What is Breast MRI?

MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.

Patient Preparation

Generally, Breast MRI scans do not require special preparation.

Call SSR at 360-493-4646 as soon as you are aware of your appointment to review exam instructions and go through the safety screening questions. Certain conditions warrant special instructions.

You will be asked to remove any metal objects that may interfere with the scan (such as dentures, hairpins or jewelry) and wear comfortable, metal-free clothing.

Please inform SSR prior to your exam if you:

  • Have a pacemaker
  • Have aneurysm clips
  • Have cochlear (ear) implants
  • Have any metallic implants or devices in the body
  • Have an implant of any type (i.e. prosthetic device, pain pumps, nerve stimulators, heart valves, aneurysm clips, etc.)
  • Have any kidney problems
  • Have history of ear surgery
  • Have history of eye surgery
  • Have history of brain surgery
  • Have history of metal in eye
  • Are or may be pregnant
  • Are breast feeding
  • Are claustrophobic (SSR can provide medication for anxiety if arranged prior to your appointment. You should plan to have someone drive you home. Click here to download the Claustrophobic Patient Forms.

History of previous exams:

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Exam

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials for review. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • After registering, you will be escorted to the MRI Suite, where you will be informed about the scan and have a chance to ask questions. It is important that you inform the technologist of any medications you are taking, as well as any allergies you have. In addition, inform the technologist of any history of heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems or pregnancy.
  • You will need to remove all metal objects before entering the MRI Suite, including jewelry, glasses, clothes with zippers, keys, etc. The magnet can erase credit cards. If you are not wearing metal-free clothing, a gown will be provided for your use.
  • Although the machine is large and may look intimidating, MRI procedures are pain free. Before the scan, a technologist will place you on the table, lying on your stomach, with your breasts hanging into cushioned openings that are surrounded by a breast coil, which is a signal receiver for the MRI. You will receive an IV injection of a contrast agent called gadolinium. You will then be positioned inside of the magnet, which is like a tunnel, that is open at both ends.
  • The scanner makes a loud knocking noise when it is acquiring images or “sequences.” Earplugs or a headset will be provided to protect your ears from the noise. Each sequence can take anywhere from 30 seconds to seven minutes. During the noise, you will need to lie still because moving will cause blurry pictures. Unless otherwise instructed, breathe normally. 
  • Once the exam is done, the images will be quickly reviewed to make sure all the information needed has been imaged. The exam itself will take between 30 minutes to an hour, and your appointment should be completed within an hour and a half.

Results

The Radiologist will prepare a formal written report that will be sent to your referring clinician within 2-3 days. Your clinician will then discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your clinician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for more information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about this and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.