Breast magnetic resonance

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to produce images of organs, tissues and structures within the body. Magnetic resonance imaging provides a different kind of information compared to x-ray, ultrasound or scan (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging can detect problems that cannot be seen by other techniques. For magnetic resonance imaging, a portion of the body to be imaged is placed inside a special machine containing a large magnet. Images obtained by this method can be stored on a computer if needed. These images can also be used in the operating room during surgery. Capturing certain regions of the body may require contrast media to make the image clearer. Porcelain is painless and lasts about an hour.
INDICATIONS
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging is not a substitute for mammography or ultrasound imaging of the breast, but is a method by which additional information about breast structure or possible changes may be obtained.
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging can be a method of screening breast cancer for women who are at high risk for breast cancer. Women with family burden (women whose mother or sister had breast cancer before the age of 50, or who had aunts or relatives with breast cancer) who have relatives who had ovarian cancer are at high risk of developing breast cancer.
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging has a role to play in assessing the prevalence of breast cancer in women with breast cancer first discovered. MR imaging can assess the size of the tumor mass, whether there are more tumor masses in the same breast, whether the tumor engages the surrounding muscle, whether the other breast is affected, and whether there are enlarged lymph nodes that may be a sign of the spread of the disease outside breast.
• This recording may allow further evaluation of changes seen on mammography or ultrasound examination. With the help of breast MRI, it can be assessed whether a biopsy of the change in the breast is required or whether only the change is monitored.
• This method is of great importance when monitoring patients who have had breast cancer. On mammography, breast scars from surgery or the recurrence of a malignant tumor mass may look the same. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast makes it possible to assess whether the change has been seen by mammography or detected by physical examination of the breast of normal appearance and structure, scar or cancer.
• Magnetic resonance imaging is used to monitor the effects of chemotherapy when administered to reduce tumor mass before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy).
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging can also be used to determine the condition of the implant after implantation or to determine the potential rupture (burst) of the implant.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
• The magnetic resonance machine looks like a big tube with the ends open. Recording is done by lying on a table that moves toward one opening of the machine. Your healthcare provider will observe you while shooting from the next room. During recording, you will be able to speak through the microphone.
• This machine creates a strong magnetic field around you and directs radio waves to your body. The procedure itself is painless. You will not feel the existence of a magnetic field or radio waves around you.
• During magnetic resonance imaging, the machine itself produces repeated sounds and noise. If you find these sounds uncomfortable, we will try to provide you with music to help you relax. If you are disturbed by the tight space inside the machine and make you nervous, you should talk to your doctor before the procedure. If necessary, in consultation with your doctor, you may take a tranquilizer.
• Sometimes it is necessary to use a contrast agent (gadolinium), which is usually injected intravenously. The contrast medium makes it easier to see certain details. The contrast agent used during magnetic resonance imaging rarely causes allergic reactions compared to the contrast agent used during scanning (CT) imaging.
• During magnetic resonance imaging, you will need to stay still most of the time to keep the images clear.
PREPARATION
• Before magnetic resonance imaging, you can eat normally and take the medicines you are taking as part of regular therapy. You may need to remove jewelry, glasses, a watch, hearing aids, or a wig.
AFTER RECORDING
• If you have not been sedated during recording, you can immediately return to your normal daily activities.