What is a breast MR?
A breast MR (Magnetic Resonance) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnets and radio waves to produce a picture of the inside of the body. This test is not painful, and there is no harmful radiation involved.
It is usually done for breast cancer staging or for evaluating implants.
MR is also useful in imaging dense breast tissue, which is often found in younger women, and in viewing breast abnormalities that can be felt but are not visible with conventional mammography or ultrasound.
Is a breast MR a replacement for traditional mammography?
MR is a compliment to a diagnostic mammogram and does not replace screening mammography. Breast MR is extremely helpful in:
- Evaluating mammogram abnormalities
- Identifying early breast cancer, especially in women at high risk.
Is a breast MR painful?
MR imaging itself is a painless diagnostic procedure that uses magnets and computers to create pictures or images of areas inside the body.
Each image shows a thin, horizontal slice of the breast tissue. A computer compiles the images, which can be studied from many different angles. MR scans produce hundreds of images that the radiologist reads and interprets.
How long will it take to get results?
Reading and interpreting breast MRs takes 30 to 45 minutes due to the many images that must be studied. MR scans look for masses like other imaging techniques do, but the technology is sensitive to detecting increased new blood vessels that feed tumors. Highlighted by the injection of a special dye, breast tumors enhance or “light up” on MR scans.
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