MRI Breast Biopsy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or MRI-guided breast biopsy uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to help locate a breast lump or abnormality that was found. A needle will be used to remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope.

During the MRI Breast biopsy, the patient may feel a sting from the numbing medicine and a small amount of pressure from their breast being compressed to stabilize their breast into the MRI camera/MRI breast coil. This will ensure that the patient hold still, while obtaining adequate images.

The MRI Breast biopsy can take up to 1 hour. This includes going over the procedure, starting an IV for the MRI gadolinium contrast, explaining the after procedure steps, and obtaining a mammogram image of the titanium clip that will be placed inside of the breast after the MRI breast biopsy.

What percentage of the MRI Breast biopsies are cancer?

According to the American Journal of Roentgenology, about 20% to 61% of MRI breast biopsies have a diagnosis of being breast cancer.

Why would a breast biopsy be performed?

A breast MRI biopsy might be done after an MRI scan shows a breast abnormality, such as a suspicious mass not identified by other imaging techniques, an area of distortion, or an area of abnormal tissue change.

Can you drive after an MRI biopsy?

Yes! You will not be put to sleep. The Radiologist that is performing the biopsy will only inject numbing medicine to your breast tissue that is having the biopsy. However, if you are claustrophobic and will take sedative medication to help you get through the scan then you will need a driver.

What to expect during the MRI biopsy?

Depending on the facility, a Radiologist, MRI Technologist, and Mammography Technologist will assist the Radiologist in obtaining the MRI images. The MRI and Mammography Technologist will help position you on the table. You will be placed faced down with your arms up, relaxing above your head. You have to remain still the entire time. Your breast will be placed in a grid with slight compression to stabilize your breast tissue. The Mammography Technologist will place a fiducial marker inside of the grid where your breast will lay to help the Radiologist mark the spot of the breast abnormality.

The MRI Technologist will inject the MRI gadolinium contrast to allow the abnormality to be visualized better. Please let the MRI Tech know if you are allergic to the MRI contrast before the MRI scan. After the biopsy, a titanium clip will be placed on your breast and will stay inside of your breast unless that breast tissue has to be removed during surgery. If your results come back fine, the breast clip will not be removed and will stay in your breast and will not cause you any problems. It will allow other Radiologists to know that the area in your breast had a biopsy before.

After the biopsy procedure

Bruising is normal. You will be given an ice pack to help reduce any bruising or swelling.

Post written by: Myrian Barbin, BSRS, R.T. (R)(CT)(MR)(M)(BS)