Procedure of a MRI examination of the breast

The procedure of an MRI examination is usually similar. The device corresponds to a tube of a good 1 meter length with an inner diameter of approx. 60 cm – 1 meter.

This somewhat cramped space requires that the patient does not suffer from claustrophobia. The examination is performed in prone position on a movable table. The breast rests in a special bowl, which gives the breast space and cushions it.

Depending on the device, the arms can be applied or stretched out. When the patient is well positioned, the table is moved into the tube and imaging can begin. This takes about 20 minutes and is typically associated with a lot of noise.The patient receives protective headphones to protect her against the loud and sometimes high-frequency knocking noises.

For emergencies there is always a stop button and the patient is in constant contact with the staff via microphone. An MRI examination is always associated with the generation of strong magnetic fields, so metallic objects should always be removed from the treatment room. These include everyday objects such as cell phones, keys, coins and belts, but also credit cards (they can be deleted).

Body jewelry (earrings, piercings of any kind, necklaces, rings) must also be removed, especially the underwiring of a bra can affect the later quality of the picture. Metal objects in the body should be mentioned before an examination! If pacemakers, cochlear implants, fixed braces, joint prostheses or foreign objects such as grenade shrapnel are present, an examination may not be possible. Attention should also be drawn to larger tattoos, as metal dust in the ink can heat up in the magnetic field and cause skin burns.

Female cycle and MRI of the breast

The time of examination must be based on the female cycle, if there is a regularity. The days 8-16 are the optimal period for this, because before and after that the breast tissue is exposed to hormonal changes and is less suitable for assessment.