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Breast Imaging Services - Breast MRIYour physician has ordered a Breast MRI exam for you to learn more. We have compiled this information about your exam to better inform you and help answer your questions.
The MRI staff at all of our facilities is available to answer any additional questions you may have, so please do not hesitate to ask.
Overview of Breast MRI
Preparing for your Breast MRI
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Overview of Breast MRI
What is Breast MRI?Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive test that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and many other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).
Breast MRI is used as a supplemental tool, in addition to mammography, to help diagnose breast disease. It is also useful in examining patients who have breast implants and the breast tissue surrounding the implants.
SafetyAll of our equipment is maintained in top condition, meeting not only the standards set by the federal government, but also by those set by Mass General Hospital's health physicists.
Please tell the technologist if you are, or might be, pregnant. In certain cases you may not be able to have an MRI and will need to discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Surgical ImplantsDo not have an MRI if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator. If you have a metal implant anywhere in your body, you should not have an MRI unless your doctor knows about it and has approved the MRI.
Preparing for your Breast MRI
What should I expect BEFORE my Breast MRI?Medications
Take all your regular medications unless your doctor tells you not to take them. Bring a list of your medications with you.
Food and drink
You can eat and drink before Breast MRI scans. Someone from the MRI staff will call you the day before the scan to give you any special instructions.
When to arrive
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. This gives you time to fill out paperwork, change your clothes and answer questions from our radiology staff about your medical history.
What to wear
For Breast MRI scans you will change into a hospital gown. Metal causes problems with MRI scans. If you are wearing anything metal, such as jewelry, dentures, glasses or hearing aids, we will ask you to remove them. Leave valuable items at home.
Intravenous preparation
Most patients receive a contrast media intravenously (IV) during their MRI called gadolinium. If you are having this done, the technologist will place an IV in your arm or hand before your scan. Contrast highlights your breast tissues to help the radiologist see them better. The contrast is safe and does not contain iodine. It is very rare to have a reaction. Much of the contrast will leave your system in the first 8 hours and all of the contrast will be gone after 24 hours.
What will I experience DURING my Breast MRI?Scanning
Your technologist will bring you into the MRI scan room where you will lie down on the patient table. The technologist will position you in the breast coil pad. Each breast should be placed directly in the center of each round opening avoiding the flattening or folding of the skin of the breast tissue. Proper positioning is important in creating a clear image. Your arms should be at your sides. This is done so your breastbone will be as close to the coil pad as possible. Once you are in the correct position, the table will slide into the body of the scanner. The scanner does not usually touch you, and you do not feel anything. The scanner does make a loud knocking noise when it takes the pictures. The technologist will offer you earplugs to lessen the noise. The technologist leaves the room, but can see you at all times. There is also a microphone in the room that lets you speak with staff throughout the scan.
Length of scan
Each MRI scan is different and tailored to each patient's needs. Usually the scan is made up of five or more individual scans lasting from 1 to 2 minutes each and the scan is completed in 15 minutes.
What should I expect AFTER my Breast MRI?The MRI technologist sends the digitized scan information from the MRI computer to a reading interpretation station at Mass General main campus in Boston. You have no restrictions after having a MRI scan and can go about your normal activities. To help eliminate the contrast medium from your body, remember to drink plenty of fluids.Breast MRI Exam Results
All Breast MRI exams are interpreted by Mass General radiologists from the Division of Breast Imaging. Our service consists of eight full-time radiologists, all of whom are board certified in general radiology and fellowship trained with additional specialization in breast imaging procedures.
Rapid results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also for your physician to begin planning your treatment immediately, if necessary. After the scan has been read the results are sent to your physician, who will discuss them with you.
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Locations where Breast MRI Exam is performed
How to Schedule a Breast MRI ExamA referral from a physician is required for a Breast MRI. Physicians may schedule patients using our online scheduling and report access program - ROE.
Additional Information and ResourcesMGH Radiology Rounds E-Newsletter
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Contact Us
Massachusetts General Hospital
Avon Comprehensive Breast Center
55 Fruit Street, WACC240
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-724-XRAY (9729)
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