Breast MRI
THE BENEFITS OF USING MedWise'S WOMEN'S IMAGING SERVICES
MedWise is dedicated to providing the Quad City area with comprehensive diagnostic imaging in a comfortable and caring environment. We offer a full service Women's Imaging Center including advanced digital screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, Ultrasound and MRI guided breast biopsy. With MedWise's advanced technology, and significant staff size, you don't need to endure long waits. You can rest assured that you receive the finest care using the latest technology available. The other benefit of scheduling your Breast MRI with MedWise is that as a full service facility, all other diagnostic tests are available at the same location and all of your prior studies will be in one place. We also have the availability to share your images and report with your physician through our online images and reports program.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE
When it comes to your health, it is your right to choose the most technologically advanced imaging center available. We strive to provide our patients with the compassion and quality care they deserve.
WHAT IS BREAST MRI?
The survival rate of breast cancer is greatly improving - thanks to early detection and today's modern technology. MedWise understands the importance of incorporating new and innovative methods to diagnose and treat patients. Breast MRI has emerged as a powerful tool both in detecting breast cancer and determining the extent of the disease once it is diagnosed. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive, usually painless procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create digital images of your breast that can be used as an extremely sensitive method of disease detection throughout the breast and surrounding area.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER BREAST MRI?
Breast MRI may be recommended for:
Screening in patients with a strong family history of breast cancer.- Preoperative evaluation following recent diagnosis of breast cancer.
- Further evaluation of inconclusive mammography or ultrasound.
- Suspected leak or rupture of a silicone breast implant.
- Follow up to chemotherapy treatment
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING A BREAST MRI
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be escorted to the dressing area where you will be asked to change into a patient gown. A team of specially trained technologists will interview you prior to the procedure to answer any of your questions and prepare you for the Breast MRI scan. The MRI machine has a large, central tunnel where you will lie during the procedure, on a cushioned table. You will lie facedown and your breasts will fit into hollow depressions, which enable detailed imaging. The entire table then slides into a large tunnel within the center of the MRI machine, and then the imaging can begin.
The MRI machine creates a magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. You won't feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you may hear loud tapping and thumping sounds coming from inside the machine. Because of this, you may be given earplugs to wear. A contrast agent (gadolinium) may be injected into your veins through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm to enhance the appearance of tissues or blood vessels on the MRI pictures. If a contrast agent is used, your doctor may test your kidney function beforehand and may also discuss the benefits and risks of using a contrast agent during the MRI. During the test, the technologist monitors you from another room. You can speak to the technologist through a microphone, and the technologist can also talk to you. You'll be instructed to breathe normally but to lie as still as possible.
The breast MRI appointment may take up to one hour.
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