Things to Know Before Breast MRI Screening

Although most breast cancer is found in women aged 50 and above, younger women can also be affected. Regular breast examinations are therefore important. Breast examination with MRI (MRI BREAST) is one diagnostic method that helps screen for breast cancer even in the absence of symptoms but with high risk. Prior to the examination, one should have the correct knowledge and understanding.

What is MRI BREAST
MRI BREAST or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Breast is a breast cancer diagnostic method using MRI that creates images with electromagnetic waves to screen for breast cancer in women without symptoms but with high cancer risk. It allows for effective diagnosis and assessment.

Who is MRI BREAST suitable for

• Individuals with a direct relative who has had breast or ovarian cancer, such as mothers and siblings from the same mother
• Individuals who have been detected with breast cancer genes (BRCA1, BRCA2)
• Individuals with a history of chest radiation from the ages 10 – 30
• Individuals with abnormal cells detected in a breast biopsy such as Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH), Lobular Carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
• Individuals with a history of previous breast cancer surgery
• Women with high breast tissue density in mammogram images (Dense Breast Tissue)

How MRI BREAST assists in diagnosis

• Evaluates treatment planning before surgery in breast cancer patients (Preoperative Evaluation of Breast Cancer)
• In patients with cancer spread to lymph nodes or other organs, suspected to originate from breast cancer (Occult Breast Cancer)
• Enhances diagnosis clarity in patients where mammogram and ultrasound cannot conclusively identify lesions and complicated breast diseases (Inconclusive Mammographic or Ultrasound Findings)
• Detects silicone implant leaks (Breast Implant Integrity) and evaluates breast abnormalities in individuals with a history of silicone or cosmetic substance injections that cannot be assessed by regular mammogram and ultrasound
• Monitors treatment response in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy (Evaluate Treatment Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy)
• Guides biopsies of abnormalities detected only in MRI BREAST (MRI – Guided Biopsy)

Advantages of MRI BREAST

• No harmful radiation during the examination
• Increases diagnostic clarity

Limitations of MRI BREAST

• Patients who cannot lie prone for long periods or who are claustrophobic
• Patients with a history of metal implants in the body that cannot undergo MRI
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be under medical supervision

Credit : https://www.wattanosothcancerhospital.com/all-about-cancer/mri-breast