Who should have MRI of the breast?
Breast MRI can help clarify suspicious or inconclusive mammograms or ultrasound tests, avoiding unnecessary biopsies and eliminating the uncertainty of a "watch and wait" approach. Breast MRI is appropriate for high-risk women with one or a combination of these factors:
 Women who need to be carefully watched for a recurrence after having breast cancer - Women with a strong family history of breast cancer (if two or more immediate blood relatives have breast cancer, your risk increases fivefold)
- Women who have genetic mutations associated with breast cancer (such as BRCA1 or 2 carriers) and want to avoid radiation from mammography
- Women with large, dense breasts or breast implants
In addition to MRI breast scans, McKinney Regional Cancer Center provides Ultrasound and PET/CT for women who need to take the next step.
What Does Clinical Research Reveal?
Clinical research continues to reinforce the advantages of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) over mammography for detecting cancer in high risk women and mapping the extent of the disease when considering surgical options.
During the 40th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology in New Orleans in June 2005, researchers from the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania presented comprehensive study results which show that MRI is significantly better than traditional mammography for detecting the presence and extent of disease in patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer. The research has significant implications for women considering surgical options — other than a full mastectomy — to remove their breast cancer, such as a lumpectomy.
This study was conducted by the International Breast MRI Consortium (IBMC), the first international, multi-site group of researchers, at 17 different locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Germany. They examined more than 1000 women for a period of three years. All of the women had suspicious lesions on their mammograms, which required further investigation to see if cancer was present.
Each participant had both follow-up mammograms and MRIs. Cancer was confirmed by a biopsy, surgical removal and microscopic examination of the tissue. Of the 428 women who had breast cancer, MRI detected additional cancerous lesions in 56 women, while mammograms detected additional lesions in only 17 women. In statistical terms, MRI was more than two times as effective as mammography in detecting multiple tumors.
How does Breast MRI differ from Mammography and Ultrasound?
Each of the procedures has its own benefits and uses. Mammography is the first line of defense for screening, followed by ultrasound in specific cases when mammography results are not clear. MRI is FDA-approved and tests are often used in conjunction with mammography and ultrasound to detect hidden cancer, due to the sensitivity and accuracy of the procedure. MRI can also prevent unnecessary biopsies. (MRI sensitivity is 96.1%, Mammography is 42.8% and Ultrasound is 47%.)
A study at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York gave 367 high-risk women MRI scans (after mammograms). Of this group, 59 had biopsies and cancer was found in 17 (5%), and 13 women (4%) had high-risk breast lesions.
- About MRI
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetization and radio waves, instead of x-rays, to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images. MRI examinations for breast imaging typically use a contrast material (Gadolinium DTPA) that is injected into a small vein in the arm before or during the exam. This contrast material improves the ability of MRI to clearly show details of breast tissue. MRI shows an overall sensitivity to breast cancer of 96%. Breast MRI requires special equipment to produce the high quality images needed for breast scans, available at MRCC. The MRI Breast scan examines breast tissue for abnormal function— not just abnormal appearance—by detecting abnormal blood flow and vessels associated with cancer.
- About Mammography
A Mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast. A screening mammogram is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who have no breast complaints (asymptomatic). A diagnostic mammogram is used for women who have breast symptoms (problems such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge). The goal of a screening mammogram is to find cancer when it is still too small to be felt by her doctor or the woman. A screening mammogram usually takes 2 x-ray pictures (views) of each breast. During a diagnostic mammogram, more pictures will be taken to carefully study the breast condition. Mammography is the recommended screening tool for breast cancer. Women 40+ are recommended by the American Cancer Society to have a mammogram annually.
- About Ultrasound
Ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is an imaging method in which high-frequency sound waves are used to outline a part of the body. Breast ultrasound is sometimes used to evaluate breast problems that are found during a screening or diagnostic mammogram or on physical exam. Breast ultrasound is not routinely used for screening and does not replace a mammogram. Some studies have suggested that ultrasound be added to screening women with dense breast tissue (which is difficult to evaluate by routine mammogram). Ultrasound is useful for evaluating some breast masses and is the only way to tell if a suspicious area is a cyst without placing a needle into it to aspirate fluid. Cysts cannot be accurately diagnosed by physical exam alone. Breast ultrasound may also be used to help doctors guide a biopsy needle into some breast lesions.
- Do I need to bring along my mammography and/or ultrasound films?
- Yes
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- Do I need a doctor’s prescription or referral?
- Yes, you will need a physician’s referral for this exam. If you don’t have a primary care or specialty physician, we can help you find one. We will assist you in getting the referral from your physician.
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- What happens during the MRI exam?
- The exam takes about 45-60 minutes for both breast. You will come to the Center in your regular clothes, preferably two pieces such as a top and sweat pants or comfortable slacks. You will remove your bra and wear a gown. Because of the powerful magnet, you will need to remove all jewelry and anything that would be attracted to a magnet. You may need to avoid the procedure if you have a pacemaker, angioplasty stent or breast tissue expanders. If this applies to you, talk with our staff or your medical professional first before scheduling.
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- How will I receive results?
- Your results will be read by a Board Certified Radiologist and a report will be mailed to your referring or primary care physician. If there is anything suspicious or that requires further evaluation, you will be contacted by telephone.
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- Where do I go?
- McKinney Regional Cancer Center
4601 Medical Center Drive
McKinney, TX 75069
(Across from Medical Center of McKinney
South-West Corner of Hwy 75 and 121).
Map/Directions
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- How do I schedule?
- Call 972-562-9222 to schedule an appointment.
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- Where can I find out more?
- Call 972-562-9222 for more information.
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