| Breast
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guidelines
The
role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the
breast continues to evolve. Currently, it is dependent
on your diagnosis, your physical health, and your
medical and family history, among other concerns.
Your physician will discuss with you whether MRI
is appropriate for you based on all these factors.
While
MRI has an important role in breast imaging and
diagnosis, it does not replace the gold standard
of mammography and, if indicated, ultrasound.
Experts at Loyola Breast Care support the following
indications for MRI in breast imaging based on
current literature. They are presented from most
common usage to least common usage among patients:
- Determine
the local extent of breast cancer if you are
newly diagnosed. MRI may be useful in determining
the tumor size, and whether you have a single
tumor or multiple sites within the same breast.
Imaging also is conducted on the opposite breast
to insure that you have no significant disease
in that breast.
- Determine
the extent of disease that might remain following
a lumpectomy (positive margins).
-
Monitor your response to neoadjuvant therapy
(chemotherapy or hormone therapy to shrink the
cancer prior to surgery). MRI often is used
to gauge the tumor shrinkage.
- Assess
the extent of a localized recurrence of your
breast cancer.
-
Identify an otherwise undetectable primary breast
cancer when there is known involvement of the
lymph nodes in the armpit. MRI potentially can
identify the primary tumor and may prevent the
need for a mastectomy.
- Provide
additional images following a non-conclusive
mammogram/ultrasound (the "problem mammogram").
You may need an MRI if you have an abnormal
mammogram and/or ultrasound that the radiologist
or your physician treating you believes requires
additional examination (one example is a lesion
seen on only one view on mammography).
- Assess
your condition if you are a “high risk"
patient. You are considered high risk if you
have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, have a
previous history of breast cancer or biopsy-proven
high-risk lesion (ADH, LCIS), have a history
of mediastinal irradiation or have a significant
family history of breast cancer.
- Evaluate
silicone implants and any potential complications
or leakage.
You
should be aware that additional radiological studies
or biopsies may be ordered following an MRI. Limitations
of MRI may result in a number of false-positive
readings.
Despite
these current indications used by your physician
to order a breast MRI, not all MRI studies are
reimbursed by third-party payors. Be sure to check
with your insurance provider about your specific
coverage.
Locations
and Contacts
Breast
MRI is offered at the following locations:
Loyola
Outpatient Center
If you would like to make an appointment or need
assistance to find an appropriate physician, please
call us at (888) LUHS-888.
Related
links
Mammography guidelines
Loyola
CAN-HELP Cancer Information and Referral
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