While generally safe, breast MRI involvecontrast dyesthat may cause allergies and other side effects in some people.
What Are Breast MRIs Used For?
Breastmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)is an imaging technique used for the diagnosis and screening of breast cancer.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
In these women, an MRI can miss abnormalities readily detected with a mammogram.
Furthermore, an MRI may not be able to differentiate betweenbenign(non-cancerous) andmalignant(cancerous) growths.
This makes MRIs prone to false-positive results.
Even so, it is not suitable for everyone and may even be contraindicated for use in some.
For MRIs, the heavy metalgadoliniumis most commonly used.
Gadolinium is not considered toxic and does not involve radiation.
With that said, a small percentage of people may be allergic to gadolinium.
When scheduling the appointment, let the facility know where you are in your cycle.
If prescribed a sedative, ask your healthcare provider when to take it as some work faster than others.
What Does a Breast MRI Cost?
Breast MRIs tend to be costly, and insurance coverage can vary.
If needed, you may be asked to repeat certain images.
However, if you were given a sedative, you will need to have someone drive you home.
The radiologist will also interpret the findings and likely causes.
If the results are inconclusive, the report may offer other explanations (referred to asdifferential diagnoses).
These may include:
The only test that can definitively diagnose breast cancer is a biopsy.
Summary
Breast MRI is typically used for diagnosis and staging of breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.What is a breast MRI?
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.
Gracia Bara MT, Gallardo-Higueras A, Moreno EM, et al.Hypersensitivity to gadolinium-based contrast media.Front Allergy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Guidelines for diagnostic imaging during pregnancy and lactation.
National Health Service (UK).MRI scan: how it’s performed.
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