What is MRI guided breast biopsy?

Breast biopsy using MRI is the latest technological development in the diagnosis of a breast mass. The procedure requires the use of an MRI to locate the position of the breast mass and perform a biopsy. The biopsy is done at the same time the mass is identified. The precise location of the mass by MRI offers an efficient method of obtaining a biopsy. Even masses located in different parts of the breast can easily be biopsied. MRI is excellent to evaluate the soft tissues and can identify breast lesions much earlier than any present day technology. The key to breast cancer treatment is early detection. The early diagnosis of breast lesions also prevents unnecessary surgery.

What is success of MRI breast?

MRI breast scanning is the most sensitive imaging modality available, detecting suspicious lesions or breast cancer at the earliest possible stage of development with a 70-90 percent accuracy rate.

Who is a candidate for MRI breast biopsy?

females with family risk of breast cancer.
females who have undergone previous breast surgery.
Females with dense breast tissue who cannot get accurate screenings with other imaging technology.
Females at high risk for breast cancer.
Females at high risk of breast cancer but who have a negative mammogram and/or ultrasound.

Who actually performs the biopsy?

The biopsy is performed by a radiologist. Conventional breast biopsy is performed by surgeons in the operating room.

Where is the procedure done?

The procedure is done in an MRI facility in the radiology department.

How is the procedure done?

You will be asked to lie down on a table and the MRI will image your breasts. Once the imaging is complete, the location of any abnormal breast mass is identified by viewing the images generated. The location of the abnormality is then marked on the breast. A local anesthetic is infiltrated on the skin. A needle is then placed in the area and the sample is biopsied. Sometimes a slightly larger needle, which removes a small, cylindrical-shaped tissue sample, is used. Newer core needle technology uses a special vacuum-assisted needle to draw out tissue. The procedure takes about 30-40 minutes.

IS the procedure painful?

No: The procedure requires only a topical anesthetic and leaves little or no scarring.

Are there any complications of MRI breast biopsy?

The procedure is usually pain free and there is minimal scarring with no large incisions.

What is the cost of MRI breast biopsy?

The procedure costs less than a surgical biopsy.

What are advantages of MRI breast biopsy?

it is a non surgical method.
can biopsy the smallest detectable mass.
procedure is faster than an open biopsy.
does not require general anesthesia.
does not require an anesthesiologist to be present.
allows for biopsy of lesions that are difficult to access even with open surgery.
MRI-guided breast biopsy has proven to be as reliable as open surgery for acquiring tissue samples that offer definitive pathological results.
The procedure leaves no scarring.
Patients undergoing MR-guided biopsy with this device are less likely to have to undergo a surgical biopsy because of inconclusive biopsy results.

What are disadvantages of MRI breast biopsy?

Individuals with any medical devices are unable to undergo MRI.
MRI is also difficult to perform in very obese individual or individuals who are not able to lie down flat.
The presence of an implant or other metallic object often makes it difficult to obtain clear images, and patient movement can have the same effect.
is not a test recommended in pregnant females.
Any patient with an ear implant is not a candidate for MRI.
Any patient with a clip placed in a brain aneurysm should never get an MRI.

What are the limitations of MRI of the Spine?

MRI is not offered to women who are pregnant. Even though there are no reports of harm to the fetus, the potential of damage to the fetus are always present. The MRI is only done for a pregnant female when the benefits of the procedure override the risks of pregnancy.

An alternative choice may be to use Ultrasound imaging.

Findings on MRI always need to be interpreted along with the individual's physical findings and information from other tests.

It is not a replacement technology for surgery but another option.

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