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Mountain Medical Imaging Center

5323 S. Woodrow Street, Suite 100 Murray, UT 84107View Map 801-713-0600 murray@mtnmedical.com

When a breast MRI is indicated, take advantage of the expertise, technology and patient-centered services of medical imaging specialists; call Mountain Medical Imaging Center to schedule an appointment.

What is a Breast MRI?

MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to radiation. It is valuable in detecting and staging breast cancer in selected patients. MRI of the breast is not a replacement of mammography or ultrasound but can be extremely beneficial for women who:

• Are at high-risk for breast cancer
• Have abnormalities detected by mammography or ultrasound
• Need an evaluation of the integrity of breast implants

Who should get a Breast MRI?

* The American Cancer Society updated their recommendations for breast cancer screening in 2007.

Patients in the following categories should receive annual screening breast MRIs, in addition to an annual screening mammography.

1. BRCA 1 & 2 mutation carriers
2. First-degree relative (mother, sister, or child) of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carrier, even if they have yet to be tested themselves. Also, if there is a family history of breast cancer on your father’s side of the family, be sure to tell your doctor. Hereditary risk for cancer can be inherited from either side of the family.
3. History of radiation therapy of the chest between 10-30 years old.
4. Strong family history of breast cancer with a lifetime risk of breast cancer of greater than 20%.
5. Patients with the following syndromes: Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (or may have one of these syndromes based on a history in a first-degree relative).

Why Breast MRI?

Breast MRI is being used more frequently in the fight against breast cancer. Recent studies have shown Breast MRI to be an important additional screening test to mammography in patients who are at high risk for breast cancer. MRI is also being used in selected patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer to help determine the extent of the tumor before surgery or other treatments are started. Sometimes a Breast MRI will be ordered to help clarify a potential abnormality identified on a mammogram or breast ultrasound.

Mammography interpreted normal & unchanged for many years.

Breast MRI of same patient showing a large invasive cancer.

What Will I Experience During the Breast MRI Procedure?

• The patient lies on her stomach with both breasts hanging freely into a cushioned recess containing the signal receiver (also known as the breast coil).
• If a contrast material will be used in the MRI exam, a nurse or technician will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in the hand or arm.
• The entire bed on which the patient is lying is advanced into the opening of the MRI (a tube-like machine that looks like a giant water slide that is open on both ends).
• The nurse or technician will leave the room while the MRI is being performed (the patient is offered headphones and music during this time).
• If a contrast material is being used during the examination, it will be injected into the IV after an initial series of scans.
• An additional series of images will be taken following the injection. The patient will be asked to lie still for up to fifteen minutes at a time while the computer acquires the images. The total examination is made up of several scans, usually five to fifteen minutes in length and the patient is usually in the MRI machine for forty to sixty minutes overall.
• The images obtained during the MRI will be carefully evaluated by a board-certified radiologist that specializes in women’s imaging.

Mountain Medical Imaging Center

At Mountain Medical Imaging Center, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art Breast MRI services as part of a comprehensive family of medical imaging services. You will be in the experienced care of our dedicated medical staff. Our premier imaging technology ensures the highest quality Breast MRI and most accurate diagnosis. The Mountain Medical Imaging team is comprised of board-certified radiologists and registered technologists who hold advanced certification in their MRI specialties.

At Mountain Medical Imaging Center, our business is your health. That’s why we believe that your privacy and comfort is our first priority. We will schedule your appointment as quickly as possible and deliver your results to your physician within twenty–four hours or sooner. Because when your wellbeing is at stake, nothing could be more important.