Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a simple, painless examination that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to see internal organs and other soft tissue without the use of X-rays. MRI has no known side effects.

Aided by the speed and accuracy of a computer, MRI provides extremely detailed images of body anatomy. The strong magnetic field created by the MRI machine prepares molecules in the body to emit radio signals when exposed to prescribed radio waves. Molecules in abnormal cells produce different signals than those from normal cells and the difference is used to create the MRI image.

Breast MRI is a non-invasive procedure that your doctor may request to help determine the presence of abnormal tissue, which may represent cancer. Each exam produces hundreds of images of the breast in several different views and with varied settings of the MRI machine. For all Breast MRI exams, with the exception of diagnosis of implant rupture, intravenous (IV) contrast is used to better evaluate the breast. The images captured by the MRI are then interpreted by a Radiologist. Breast MRI is currently used only in specific circumstances and does not replace standard screening and diagnostic procedures (clinical and self exams, mammograms, focused ultrasound).

As a regional leader in diagnostic imaging, Valley Diagnostic Imaging Services specializes in techniques that detect and diagnose a variety of conditions. At our Olympic Building facility, breast MRI is performed on Siemens Maestro 1.5 Tesla short-bore scanners which are wider and shorter than traditional MRI machines and therefore do not fully enclose the patient.

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1. Recent diagnosis of breast cancer in high risk patients to better characterize the extent of disease and/or to determine presence of cancer elsewhere in the same breast or in the opposite breast.
2. To assess for recurrence of disease in women with a history of breast cancer when mammography and/or ultrasound findings are questionable
3. To screen patients who are at high risk for breast cancer. Patients that have tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, have a strong family history of breast cancer (ie. premenopausal, first degree relative with breast cancer), or a prior history of radiation treatment to the chest are considered high risk for breast cancer.
4. To evaluate for possible breast implant rupture.

• The safest and most advanced technology
• A comfortable, relaxed, and caring atmosphere
• Expert medical consultation

Your MRI exam will be performed in a room designed to prevent the strong magnetic field from extending beyond its walls and interference from outside radio waves. You will be continuously observed by specially trained staff that can communicate with you through an intercom system.

You will be asked to relax and remain as still as possible. Breast MRI requires that you lie on your stomach for roughly 30 minutes with both breasts surrounded by a receiver device, known as the breast coil. Women generally find the examination table comfortable. You will feel nothing unusual during the exam. The scanner makes a series of thumping sounds made by the radio wave transmitters, which are normal, and in no way harmful. Lavender and flax seed aromatherapy eye pillows are available to aid in relaxation, and music can also be provided. The appointment usually takes 45.

Please make child care arrangements or bring a family member to watch children during your MRI. Children may not be left unattended in the lobby.

MRI Breast Biopsy
MRI Breast Biopsy is used to determine whether a mass in the breast is noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). A breast biopsy involves removing cells from the suspicious area and examining them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. The MRI helps guide the needle to the suspicious area. The procedure only requires a local anesthetic, leaves little or no scarring, and takes less than an hour.

At Valley Diagnostic Imaging Services- Olympic Building, Valley Radiologists offer routine breast MRI, vacuum-assisted breast MRI biopsy, and wire localization for pre-surgery breast patients

MRI biopsies are performed with the help from special computer software. The radiologist measures the position of the lesion with respect to the grid surrounding the breast and calculates the position and depth of the needle placement. After numbing the breast with local anesthetic and placing the needle, MRI imaging is performed to verify its position. Then the tissue samples are obtained.

When the tissue sampling is complete, a marker clip will be placed to ensure that the site can be easily located if future surgery is needed. The entire procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour. Most patients are able to resume their usual activities later the same day. Specific instructions are given to patients after the procedure.

Following the breast biopsy, a pathologist will examine the tissue specimens. The results of the specimens are available to the referring physician within a few days.

What to Expect During the Exam
You will be asked to relax and remain as still as possible. Breast MRI requires that you lie on your stomach for roughly 30 minutes with both breasts surrounded by a receiver device, known as the breast coil. Women generally find the examination table comfortable. The scanner makes a series of thumping sounds during the examination.

You will be continuously observed by specially trained staff throughout the entire examination. The staff will communicate with you through an intercom system.

Lavender and flax seed aromatherapy eye pillows are available to aid in relaxation, and music can also be provided. The appointment usually takes 45 minutes. There are no restrictions after the exam and you can return to your normal daily routine immediately.

A Very Important Note
You cannot undergo MRI if you have a pacemaker, inner ear implants, certain surgical clips or stents, or some other metal implants. Please notify any member of our staff or a physician if you are not sure whether you have any of the above.

Please make child care arrangements or bring a family member to watch children during your MRI. Children may not be left unattended in the lobby.

Breast MRI is a very specialized imaging exam. Only select radiologists have undergone extensive training and education to read Breast MRI studies. The radiologists use very complex CAD software to aid in the image interpretation process. Your physician receives very detailed images and graphs, along with a written report of your Breast MRI after your exam.