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Breast Cancer and MRI
Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a test that may be used to distinguish between benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) areas. Performing this test may reduce the number of breast biopsies done to evaluate a suspicious breast mass. Although MRI can detect tumors in dense breast tissue, it cannot detect tiny specks of calcium (known as microcalcifications), which account for half of the cancers detected by mammography.
Is the Breast MRI Test Safe?
Yes, breast MRI is safe. The test poses no risk to the average patient if appropriate safety guidelines are followed.
People who have had heart surgery and people with the following medical devices can be safely examined with MRI:
- Surgical clips or sutures.
- Artificial joints.
- Staples.
- Most heart valve replacements.
- Disconnected medication pumps.
- Vena cava filters.
- Brain shunt tubes for hydrocephalus.
Some conditions may make an MRI exam inadvisable. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart pacemaker
- Cerebral aneurysm clip (metal clip on a blood vessel in the brain)
- Implanted insulin pump (for treatment of diabetes), narcotics pump (for pain medication), or implanted nerve stimulators ("TENS") for back pain
- Metal in the eye or eye socket
- Cochlear (ear) implant for hearing impairment
- Implanted spine stabilization rods
- Severe lung disease
- Uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux (a condition causing severe heartburn)
In addition, tell your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Weigh more than 300 pounds.
- Are not able to lie on your back for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Have claustrophobia (fear of closed or narrow spaces).
How Long Is the Breast MRI Test?
Allow 1 1/2 hours for your breast MRI exam. In most cases, the procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes, during which time several dozen images may be obtained.
What Happens Before a Breast MRI?
Before a breast MRI, personal items such as your watch, wallet -- including any credit cards with magnetic strips (they will be erased by the magnet) -- and jewelry should be left at home or removed. Hearing aids should be removed before the test since they can be damaged by the magnetic field. Secured lockers are typically available to store personal possessions.
What Happens During a Breast MRI?
You will be asked to wear a hospital gown during your breast MRI.
As the MRI scan begins, you will hear the equipment making a muffled thumping sound that will last for several minutes. Other than the sound, you should experience no unusual sensations during the scanning.
Certain MRI exams require that you receive an injection of a contrast material. This helps identify certain anatomic structures on the scan images.
Feel free to ask questions or tell the technologist or your doctor if you have any concerns.
What Happens After a Breast MRI?
Generally, you can resume your usual activities and normal diet immediately after a breast MRI.
Your doctor will discuss the test results with you.
WebMD Medical Reference
Breast Cancer Guide
VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.
INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a new study reveals why a high number of women with the disease still prefer to have the entire breast surgically removed instead of just the tumor. It's not always because doctors recommend it.
