What is a High Risk Breast MRI?
MR imaging uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of your breast. MRI does not use radiation. Your doctor will likely order this exam for implant integrity evaluation, assessment of newly diagnosed breast cancer or post lumpectomy, specialized follow up, or evaluation of very high-risk patients whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is greater than 20%. Calculate your lifetime risk here. High risk breast MRI is generally covered by insurance.
Because your comfort is important to us, we provide music headsets as well as blankets to make your experience more comfortable. Our knowledgeable, professional team will put you at ease and answer all of your questions before the exam.
What Happens During The Test?
Our technologist will take a brief medical history. You will be asked to lie down on your stomach on the scanning table, where your breasts will hang into cushioned openings. The table will then slide into the scanning area. During the test, the MRI will make a rapid tapping noise. Just relax and remain still. Initial images will be obtained, and then contrast material will be injected into a vein in your arm. After injection, additional images will be taken.
You should plan 60 to 90 minutes of total clinic time. The scan typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You may return to normal activities following your exam.
How Do I Prepare for the Test?
Typically, no preparation is required before the exam. Because high risk breast MRI requires a contrast injection, a current creatinine test (within 45 days) is required. The creatinine test is a blood draw to evaluate your kidney function and will normally be performed at your physician’s office or lab prior to the exam. For premenopausal women, this exam is scheduled 6-10 days after the first day of your period. No fasting is necessary. You will need to remove all jewelry, hairclips, and bobby pins. In addition, you will need to remove your bra and any clothing containing metal. You will be provided a gown and a secure locker in which you can place valuables.
When Can I Expect the Results?
A radiologist will review the images and send a report to your referring physician within two business days. Your doctor will review the report and contact you with the results.
What Contradictions Should I Be Aware Of?
If you are pregnant, have had an aneurysm clip, have had ear or eye prosthesis, or have a pacemaker, you may not be a candidate for an MRI. Because this exam requires an injection of intravenous (IV) contrast, please inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or past or current renal insufficiency or acute vascular disease.
FAQ’s
Density is determined using a 4- level scale:
| A- Almost entirely fatty | 10% of women are in class A | |
| B- Scattered areas of fibro glandular density | 40% of women are in class B | |
| C- Heterogeneously dense | 40% of women are in class C | |
| D- Extremely Dense | 10% of women are in class D |
Beginning at age 40, get a yearly mammogram. A mammogram is the only medical imaging screening test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. It is the gold standard screening tool and many cancers are found because of this exam. Iowa Radiology has adopted 3D digital mammography as standard of care because it has been proven reduce callbacks and to detect breast cancers much earlier than traditional 2D mammograms.
If you do or don’t have dense breasts, talk to your doctor. Breast density is just one determining factor that may place you at increased risk of developing breast cancer. You and your doctor can decide if additional testing is appropriate for you.
Iowa Radiology has always reported breast density to your referring provider and beginning in January 2018, in accordance with the changes in Iowa law, we also began reporting density to you in your results letter.
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Iowa Radiology routinely calculates your lifetime risk of breast cancer which is included in our report to your provider.
Do You Have Questions Regarding Your Test?
Phone: 515-531-5863
Contact Form: Click Here to Contact Us
* The safety of our patients and those who accompany them to our office is of the utmost importance to the physicians and staff at Iowa Radiology. Please make arrangements for someone to care for your child/children during your exam. Thank you for your cooperation.
