Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Thumb MRI offers the area's largest and most comfortable Breast MRI exam. Our 71 cm Wide Open Bore MRI offers up to 100% more clearance for higher profile coils that breast exams require.
Breast MRI is one of the safest and most comfortable imaging tests available. It uses magnetic fields with no radiation to obtain over 3000 images of the breasts. MRI is very helpful with difficult, suspicious or dense mammograms, especially in the 30-65 year old age group. In recent years Breast MRI has become an important addition to ultrasound and mammography. With sensitivity near 100% for detecting invasive cancer as small as 3 mm, early discovery will save lives and reduce the cost of treatment.
Breast MRI is often used for evaluating patients with dense breast tissue, breast pain, breast discharge, fibrocystic breast disease, or patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer. It is also used in conjunction with mammography or ultrasound for clarification of inconclusive or abnormal findings. Breast MRI can also be used for the evaluation of implant rupture, radiation/chemotherapy treatments and searching for primary breast cancer in patients with lymph node disease.
Before your Breast MRI
We ask that you bring all Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound, Thermoscan and Nuclear Medicine films from the last 5 years with their respective reports at the time of your exam. You will also need to bring pathology reports from any biopsies. We suggest that you wear comfortable clothing such as sweat pants for your exam. Any metal objects on your person (rings, earrings, hair clips, etc.) must be removed. Our office will direct you in the proper way to schedule your appointment based on your menstrual cycle and/or hormone replacement therapy.
Notify the Technologist if…
• You have any metal implants (pumps, pins, plates, surgical staples, aneurysm clips etc.)
• You have any metallic fragments in your body.
• You have ever worked with metal.
• You have metal dental fixtures.
• You have a cardiac pacemaker.
• You suspect pregnancy.
• You are claustrophobic.
Your Breast MRI Exam
During your examination you will lie on your stomach. Unlike mammography, MRI does not require your breasts to be compressed. A technologist will then center you inside the magnet and run scans before and after the administration of IV contrast. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, you can relay your concerns to the technologist via a two-way communication system. Most exams last no longer than 30 minutes. In order for us to acquire the best images, it is imperative that you lie still during your exam. You may want to avoid drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages prior to scanning so that you will be able to lie still inside the scanner.
Why do I have to be injected with Gadolinium?
Contrast (Gadolinium) enables the radiologist to see and interpret small lesions. It is essential to properly evaluate breast tissue.
Will my insurance pay for my Breast MRI?
Most major health insurances cover the cost of Breast MRI. If your health plan requires a prior approval (pre-certification) for this type of exam, your referring physician will need to obtain it prior to your appointment. Pre-authorization is not a guarantee of payment. You may also want to contact your insurance company before your exam to be sure the exam will be covered. If you have any billing or insurance questions, please contact our in-house billing specialists directly at 989.872.8070 Ext 3
What happens following your exam?
When your examination is complete a Board Certified radiologist, who specializes in Breast MRI, will review your images and prepare a report for your doctor.