Breast MRI
What You Need to Know About Breast MRI
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used as an additional screening tool for patients at high risk for breast cancer, and also as a diagnostic tool to gather further information about a patient with a specific breast problem.
Breast MRIs cannot find tiny microcalcifications and sometimes cannot distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous masses. Therefore, breast MRI should not be used as a replacement regular mammograms.
Your primary care provider or breast health specialist can help determine if a breast MRI is appropriate for you.
Please call 617-754-9500 for more information about breast MRI or to schedule an appointment.
Breast MRI FAQs
What is a breast MRI?
A breast MRI creates hundreds of detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the breast, using a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce the images. MRI provides 10 to 100 times greater contrast between breast tissues than an X-ray. Therefore, the radiologist can see the inside the breast tissue side-to-side, front-to back, and top-to-bottom. Breast MRI involves no radiation at all. It requires an IV injection of contrast, in order to evaluate the breast tissue, but is otherwise a painless procedure and is always done on an outpatient basis.
Why would I need a breast MRI?
Breast MRI is recommended for screening women who are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer, such as women who are BRCA gene carriers, in addition to mammography. Our BreastCare Center specialists typically recommend an annual MRI alternating with annual mammography at six-month intervals for women who are at higher risk. For example, if a woman has her mammogram in January, she should have her breast MRI in July.
A diagnostic breast MRI is also used to determine whether a cancerous tumor has spread, and, if so, where; and to help determine treatment options for patients. Our radiologists also use MRIs to perform MRI-guided biopsies of any suspicious area of breast tissue seen on screening or diagnostic MRI exams.
A diagnostic breast MRI is also used to determine whether a cancerous tumor has spread, and, if so, where; and to help determine treatment options for patients. Our radiologists also use MRIs to perform MRI-guided biopsies of any suspicious area of breast tissue seen on screening or diagnostic MRI exams.
How does a breast MRI work?
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes a strong magnetic field, radio waves and an advanced computer to create detailed images of the breast. A liquid contrast material (dye) is injected into a patient’s vein in the arm or hand, which works with the magnetic fields to show abnormal breast tissue in the images. A circular magnet surrounds the large, tube-shaped MRI machine, in which the patient lies prone on a special table during the procedure.
What will happen during my breast MRI exam?
You will first need to get changed in our private dressing area. We have lockers for your clothing but suggest you leave valuables at home, if possible. All MRI patients are given two hospital gowns and a pair of hospital pajama bottoms to change into. You will be asked to remove all of your own clothing and put on the pajama bottoms and gowns, with one gown opening in the front and one opening in the back.
Next, one of our technologists will review the MRI procedure with you and answer any additional questions you might have. Please make sure you let us know of any drug allergies you may have before your exam, or if you might be pregnant or are nursing.
A thin, plastic tube will then be carefully inserted into a vein in your arm or on the back of your hand. This is called an intravenous line (IV), and it is used to inject a dye, a liquid contrast material, that assists in creating vivid images of breast tissue. When you are in the MRI machine, you may feel a cold sensation for a few seconds where the IV line is placed as the dye is injected.
In the MRI exam room, you will be asked to lie on your stomach, with your arms above your head, on a table that is movable and padded. The table has an indented space at one end, the breast coil, which allows your breasts to be comfortably placed in it. The breast coil is cushioned, and may feel like a padded bra. It also contains the receiver that sends signals to the MRI machine and creates the images. You may feel slight pressure on your breasts, which helps keep them still during the procedure so the images come out clear.
You will be given earplugs to wear so you and the MRI technologist can communicate at any time. The technologist will be able to see you — as well as hear you — the whole time, too. It may feel cool in the room, so blankets are provided to ensure you are warm enough.
Once you are comfortable, our technologist will move you into the center of the tunnel-shaped MRI machine. In addition to the hole in the middle, each end is open. There is a fan blowing gently and it is well lit inside. It is important that you do not move at all during the procedure in order for the technologist to be able to get the best images.
Although you will be wearing earplugs, you may still hear a lot of noise from the machine while it works. Our technologist will speak with you during the MRI, and let you know what is happening during the process. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please let the technologist know.
Next, one of our technologists will review the MRI procedure with you and answer any additional questions you might have. Please make sure you let us know of any drug allergies you may have before your exam, or if you might be pregnant or are nursing.
A thin, plastic tube will then be carefully inserted into a vein in your arm or on the back of your hand. This is called an intravenous line (IV), and it is used to inject a dye, a liquid contrast material, that assists in creating vivid images of breast tissue. When you are in the MRI machine, you may feel a cold sensation for a few seconds where the IV line is placed as the dye is injected.
In the MRI exam room, you will be asked to lie on your stomach, with your arms above your head, on a table that is movable and padded. The table has an indented space at one end, the breast coil, which allows your breasts to be comfortably placed in it. The breast coil is cushioned, and may feel like a padded bra. It also contains the receiver that sends signals to the MRI machine and creates the images. You may feel slight pressure on your breasts, which helps keep them still during the procedure so the images come out clear.
You will be given earplugs to wear so you and the MRI technologist can communicate at any time. The technologist will be able to see you — as well as hear you — the whole time, too. It may feel cool in the room, so blankets are provided to ensure you are warm enough.
Once you are comfortable, our technologist will move you into the center of the tunnel-shaped MRI machine. In addition to the hole in the middle, each end is open. There is a fan blowing gently and it is well lit inside. It is important that you do not move at all during the procedure in order for the technologist to be able to get the best images.
Although you will be wearing earplugs, you may still hear a lot of noise from the machine while it works. Our technologist will speak with you during the MRI, and let you know what is happening during the process. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please let the technologist know.
What happens when the MRI is over?
When our technologist has finished, you will be moved from the machine. Your IV will be removed. You may need to wait a short period of time while the images are closely examined to ensure we have all the information we need. Once this is confirmed, you will change back into the clothes you arrived in, and you will be free to leave and return to your normal activities.
Our Breast Imaging radiologists, trained in reading breast MRIs, will interpret the hundreds of images from your MRI. They write a report and send it to your referring medical provider, who will share the results with you.
Our Breast Imaging radiologists, trained in reading breast MRIs, will interpret the hundreds of images from your MRI. They write a report and send it to your referring medical provider, who will share the results with you.
How long is a breast MRI?
Each patient is different, so breast MRI appointments vary in length. The whole appointment often takes approximately an hour and a half. The MRI procedure consists of several scans that last in length from 5 to 15 minutes. A patient is usually in the MRI machine itself for approximately 30 minutes, depending on the number of scans needed.
How long does it take to receive my breast MRI results?
Our Breast Imaging radiologists interpret the images from your MRI, write the report and send it to your referring medical provider within approximately 24 hours. We know how difficult it is to wait for results and how important it is to receive them as soon as possible. While never compromising on quality, we do our best to expedite the process. If your MRI shows an abnormal result, the radiologist or your referring medical provider will give you a call.
Is a breast MRI safe?
There is almost no risk to the average patient when receiving a breast MRI at a reliable Breast Imaging facility. Make sure your MRI is performed at a facility that meets the American College of Radiology's basic guidelines. Some medical facilities exceed these guidelines and are designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the ACR.
If you have a medical condition, there could be risks associated with the procedure. Be sure to speak with your medical provider beforehand.
The MRI uses strong magnets to produce images, so it is imperative that we know if you have a pacemaker or other surgical implants, such as artificial heart valves, aneurysm clips and cochlear implants. These devices may not be combatable with the MRI machine.
An MRI procedure involves no radiation. However, because we use a special dye (a "contrast") that is injected through a patient’s arm or hand during a breast MRI to help locate abnormalities, a breast MRI cannot be done during any stage of pregnancy. Other kinds of MRIs that do not use a contrast may be performed safely on pregnant women. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, speak with your medical provider.
If you have a medical condition, there could be risks associated with the procedure. Be sure to speak with your medical provider beforehand.
The MRI uses strong magnets to produce images, so it is imperative that we know if you have a pacemaker or other surgical implants, such as artificial heart valves, aneurysm clips and cochlear implants. These devices may not be combatable with the MRI machine.
An MRI procedure involves no radiation. However, because we use a special dye (a "contrast") that is injected through a patient’s arm or hand during a breast MRI to help locate abnormalities, a breast MRI cannot be done during any stage of pregnancy. Other kinds of MRIs that do not use a contrast may be performed safely on pregnant women. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, speak with your medical provider.
How can I prepare for my breast MRI exam?
There is no preparation for a breast MRI exam. Be sure to eat what you normally eat and take whatever medications you normally take.
We suggest not wearing jewelry or any metal hair clips on the day of your MRI, so you don’t have to take everything off when changing into the exam gown.
Because we inject a dye as a contrasting material during the procedure, be sure to tell us beforehand of any drug allergies you have. And, if you have a pacemaker or other surgical implants, we need to know as well, because they may interfere with the strong magnets used in the procedure.
We suggest not wearing jewelry or any metal hair clips on the day of your MRI, so you don’t have to take everything off when changing into the exam gown.
Because we inject a dye as a contrasting material during the procedure, be sure to tell us beforehand of any drug allergies you have. And, if you have a pacemaker or other surgical implants, we need to know as well, because they may interfere with the strong magnets used in the procedure.
Do you need my previous breast images before my MRI exam?
If your breast imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI) was done in the past within the BIDMC system, then we will gather these images and reports for our team to review. You do not need to bring anything else to your MRI at our BreastCare Center.
If your breast imaging was done outside the BIDMC system, and you are receiving a second opinion or transferring your care here, you will need to send specific materials before your MRI appointment at BIDMC. Contact the Radiology Film Library at the facility where you had your breast imaging done. Ask them for any of your breast images and reports for the past three years and arrange for them to be sent to us, either digitally or by FedEx or UPS to:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Attn: Radiology Film Archive Dept.
Shapiro Clinical Center, 4th Floor
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Please arrange for the information to be sent well in advance of your appointment, if possible. Our experts need time to review any radiology images, and other relevant medical information, to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
It’s a good idea to contact our Breast Imaging Unit several days before your appointment to confirm that we have received the images and reports. Our telephone number is 617-754-9500.
If it turns out we did not receive your information from another breast imaging facility, please do your best to bring it with you that day.
If your breast imaging was done outside the BIDMC system, and you are receiving a second opinion or transferring your care here, you will need to send specific materials before your MRI appointment at BIDMC. Contact the Radiology Film Library at the facility where you had your breast imaging done. Ask them for any of your breast images and reports for the past three years and arrange for them to be sent to us, either digitally or by FedEx or UPS to:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Attn: Radiology Film Archive Dept.
Shapiro Clinical Center, 4th Floor
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Please arrange for the information to be sent well in advance of your appointment, if possible. Our experts need time to review any radiology images, and other relevant medical information, to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
It’s a good idea to contact our Breast Imaging Unit several days before your appointment to confirm that we have received the images and reports. Our telephone number is 617-754-9500.
If it turns out we did not receive your information from another breast imaging facility, please do your best to bring it with you that day.
Does insurance cover my breast MRI?
Please check with your insurance company about your policy and what exactly is covered. All plans vary regarding which tests are and are not covered.
How do I make an appointment for a breast MRI?
Please call our Breast Imaging Unit at 617-754-9500, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m and 6 p.m.
When you call to schedule your breast MRI, we will ask you for basic information, such as your Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center records number or your Social Security number. We may also need the name of your referring physician.
When you call to schedule your breast MRI, we will ask you for basic information, such as your Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center records number or your Social Security number. We may also need the name of your referring physician.