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Breast ultrasound and breast MRI are often used in conjunction with mammography, which is still considered the chosen method for initial breast tissue exams. Both breast ultrasound and breast MRI offer additional information that, when used properly and in combination with mammography, can be very effective in evaluating breast tissue. For example, if a patient’s mammogram shows a lack of symmetry, another mammogram would be performed to see if the abnormality was simply the result of patient position during the initial exam. If the abnormality persists, however, breast ultrasound might be performed for a more accurate diagnosis.
Breast ultrasound, a fast and painless procedure, works by transforming high frequency sound waves into images that are displayed on a video monitor. A trained technician spreads clear gel on the area of the breast being examined. Next, the technician presses a transducer (hand-held device about the size of a bar of soap) against the patient’s skin, moving it along the area under examination. The transducer is connected to the monitor. As the technician moves the device, images are captured on the video screen, where they can then be interpreted by a radiologist.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. MRI does not involve radiation, and it has virtually no potential side effects. Although some patients may experience claustrophobia in an MRI scanner, this sensation is minimized during a breast MRI because the patient is positioned feet first with her head facing out of the scanner.
Breast MRI can detect virtually all breast cancers. A report in the July 29, 2004, edition of the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that breast MRI is effective in screening for breast cancer in women with a high-risk for breast cancer. Breast MRI is also helpful
as a problem-solving tool when mammograms and/or ultrasounds are unclear;
in better defining the size of tumors and in staging breast cancer;
in evaluating breast implants.
What You Can Expect
Breast MRI at Lahey Clinic features the latest in MRI technology. Two state-of-the-art MRI scanners–each with dedicated breast imaging capabilities–are available, one at Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington. Mass., and the other at Lahey Clinic Medical Center, North Shore in Peabody, Mass. Certified MRI technologists trained in breast MRI operate each scanner, while MRI-trained radiologists who are experienced in breast MRI use a workstation designed specifically to interpret breast MRI images. These workstations increase the accuracy of breast MRI by measuring the brightness of each pixel (dot) in each image, correcting blurring due to motion and creating three-dimensional views.
Patients arriving for a breast MRI at Lahey are first asked to undress and put on a gown. Next, a small IV catheter, which will be used to inject a small quantity of contrast material (gadolinium) into the bloodstream, is placed in the arm or at the wrist. The nontoxic contrast material travels throughout the bloodstream and accumulates in higher concentrations within tumors. Consequently, cancers appear brighter on the MRI images.
As the patient is prepared for testing, the technologist positions her in the scanner feet first, lying facedown. A device customized to image both breasts is then placed under the chest. Only slight, if any, breast compression is necessary. Once the patient has been properly positioned, the technologist instructs her to hold still. Next, a loud banging sound can be heard as the scanner acquires the MRI images.
After about 10 minutes, the technologist notifies the patient that the contrast material will be administered. A cool sensation may be felt in the arm. The scanner then acquires images for another eight minutes or so. The total duration of the examination is approximately 30 minutes, and final reports are generated within 24 hours.
Further Information
For further information on breast imaging technologies and procedures, talk to your doctor, refer to our Helpful Links page, or visit the Health Encyclopedia.
Breast ultrasound and breast MRI are often used in conjunction with mammography, which is still considered the chosen method for initial breast tissue exams. Both breast ultrasound and breast MRI offer additional information that, when used properly and in combination with mammography, can be very effective in evaluating breast tissue. For example, if a patient’s mammogram shows a lack of symmetry, another mammogram would be performed to see if the abnormality was simply the result of patient position during the initial exam. If the abnormality persists, however, breast ultrasound might be performed for a more accurate diagnosis.
