Breast MRI at Montclair Breast Center, Montclair, New Jersey
First in the country to have a dedicated breast GE 1.5T MRI
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Top: (left to right) Danielle Wynn, RT (R)(M), Liz Feliciano, RT (R)(M)(QM)(CT)(MR), Taro O’Brien, MRI Coordinator, and Melissa Lee, MD, director of Breast MRI Services prepare to administer a breast MRI. |
For Breast MRI appointments call:
Phone: (973) 746-5531
Fax: (973) 509-2031
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast has been evolving over the past decade and is now emerging as an important clinical tool that will revolutionize the way we diagnose, stage, and treat breast cancer.
Breast MRI is a highly sensitive imaging modality to detect malignancy within the breast and unlike mammography uses no radiation. Radiofrequency waves capture a three dimensional image of the breast after injection of an intravenous contrast agent called gadolinium. The gadolinium is taken up in areas of the breast where there is increased blood flow. Malignant tumors are known to exhibit an increased number of blood vessels and therefore will enhance on MRI. If there is a suspicious area of enhancement we can then sample the area using a minimally invasive needle biopsy technique which is performed under MRI guidance.
An important advantage of Breast MRI is that it excels in detecting small breast cancers in women with dense breasts, augmented breasts, and breasts that have undergone breast conservation with radiation therapy. Mammography can fail to detect up to 40% of breast cancers in women with dense mammographic patterns. In this situation, particularly for women who are at increased risk due to family history or atypical changes in the breast, MRI can make a difference.
Breast MRI is used routinely for pre-operative staging in women with a known diagnosis of breast cancer who desire breast-conserving surgery and to evaluate for recurrence. It provides more information about a suspicious area detected on a physical exam, mammogram or ultrasound.
To answer all your questions about Breast MRI click here to download a free brochure (pdf format).
Articles of interest about Breast MRIs:
Breast Cancer; MRI before surgery leads to better-adapted treatment for breast cancer
Clinical Oncology Week, 28 April 2008
Sharper Digital Breast Exams Can Add Anxiety
New
York Times, April 10, 2008