3T Breast MRI
What is a Breast MRI?
A breast MRI uses a large magnet to produce detailed images. The breast MRI is combined with other breast imaging – including a mammogram and ultrasound – to determine if breast cancer is present.
A breast MRI is extremely sensitive in detecting breast cancer. A study in the World Journal of Radiology found that 3.0T MRI imaging detected more malignancies in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer than the 1.5T MRI. For this reason, CDI only performs breast MRI using a 3T MRI scanner.
Why Did My Doctor Order a Breast MRI?
Many breast MRIs are ordered after a biopsy has identified breast cancer. The breast MRI is a more sensitive scan, which can determine if other areas of the breast have been affected by the cancer. Some breast MRIs are ordered as part of annual screenings for high-risk patients. Other indications for breast MRI include:
- Evaluating patients where surgical margins showed residual disease.
- Determining whether cancer is still present after treatment by removal of the cancer or mastectomy.
- Breast implant evaluation.
- Evaluating post-operative scars.
- Monitoring high-risk patients, such as those with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer.
What Should I Expect?
Before the exam, a technologist will call you to provide instructions about eating and drinking before your scan. When you arrive, a technologist will ask you questions about your symptoms and determine if you have any metal inside your body. If you have an implant such as a pacemaker, the technologist will determine if it is MRI compatible. You will be asked to remove all jewelry and any objects containing metal. You will also be asked to change into a shirt provided by the technologist. You will be provided with a private changing room where you can leave all personal items. The technologist will give you a key to this room. You can secure all personal items in this space.
You may be given oral medication to help you relax and lay completely still during the scan. Once in the MRI suite, you will be asked to lay face down on a table with a breast coil. Your breast will be positioned to hang down below your chest wall while the MRI is performed.
No Radiation
No Pain
Noisy
How Long Will It Take?
A breast MRI on our 3T MRI takes less than 30 minutes. This is typically half the time required by scanners at most other facilities.
How Will I Get the Results?
After your scan, a board-certified radiologist will read the images produced from the scan. The radiologist will prepare a report that will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor’s office will contact you with the results.
You Get to Choose
Switching your imaging to CDI is simple and will almost always mean less out-of-pocket costs to you. Choose whichever method you prefer:
For Physicians
Patients will be given oral valium before the procedure at the recommendation of the radiologist. This reduces the likelihood that the patient will move during the scan and compromise the quality of the scan.
Because CDI is a small facility, our negotiated allowable rate for third party payors is less than big box facilities.
This means the out-of-pocket percentage required by the patient is much less.
Contact Us
The friendly, professional CDI staff is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns or help transferring imaging orders to us. We’ll make it easy.