Breast MRI
Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a specialized imaging technique used in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. It produces highly detailed images of the breast using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, making it a valuable tool, especially for high-risk women or those with dense breast tissue. While not a replacement for mammograms or ultrasounds, breast MRI is often used as a complementary screening tool in specific cases.
After the MRI
- Normal Results : If no abnormalities are found, you will likely continue regular screening according to your risk level.
- Abnormal Results : If the MRI detects something suspicious, additional tests such as a biopsy, mammogram, or ultrasound may be needed to determine whether the abnormality is cancerous.
Even though MRI might be useful in select situations, it can have lot of false positives (changes detected which might not be relevant). Hence one needs to use the test cautiously.
Purpose of Breast MRI
Screening High-Risk Women
MRI is particularly recommended for women at high risk for breast cancer, such as those with a strong family history, BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, or a personal history of breast cancer.
Evaluating Dense
Breasts
In women with dense breast tissue, where mammograms may miss small cancers, MRI offers a more sensitive detection method.
Pre-Surgical
Planning
MRI is often used to assess the extent of the disease before surgery, especially in cases of invasive breast cancer, to ensure all cancerous tissue is removed.
Monitoring After Treatment
It can be used to monitor patients after breast cancer treatment to check for recurrence.
Mammogram breast cancer screening
A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast used as a screening tool to detect early signs of breast cancer, often before symptoms appear. It plays a critical role in reducing breast cancer mortality by allowing for early diagnosis, when treatment is most effective. It is a simple outpatient test, done in few minutes with minimal discomfort but goes a very long way in identifying cancer very early.
Types of Mammograms
Mammogram is always done along with breast ultrasound, as certain changes in the breast may not be visible on mammogram and such changes can be picked up on the breast ultrasound.
Screening Mammograms
Performed on women who do not have symptoms of breast cancer, typically to detect cancer early. The screening mammogram usually involves two X-ray images of each breast (top-to-bottom and side-to-side views).
Diagnostic Mammograms
Performed when there are signs or symptoms of breast cancer (e.g., a lump or unusual discharge), or if something suspicious is found on a screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammograms provide more detailed images to investigate potential abnormalities.
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce detailed images of the structures within the breast. It is often used as a complementary tool alongside mammography, particularly in women with dense breast tissue or in cases where mammograms detect abnormalities that require further evaluation.
The Ultrasound Procedure
Preparation
There’s typically no special preparation needed for a breast ultrasound. You may be asked to wear a gown and lie on an exam table during the procedure.
Application of Gel
A gel is applied to the skin over the breast. This gel helps transmit the sound waves from the transducer (a handheld device) into the breast tissue.
Imaging
The transducer is moved across the breast to capture images of different areas. The sound waves create real-time images of the breast tissue, which are displayed on a monitor.
Duration
The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, and there’s no discomfort other than the sensation of the gel and the pressure of the transducer.
How Breast Ultrasound Works
No Radiation: Unlike mammography, ultrasound does not involve ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for frequent use, particularly in younger women or those who are pregnant. It uses sound waves to produce detailed images of the breast tissues.
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