An AURORA® Dedicated Breast MRI System was installed in October 2002 at the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center. A second unit was added in 2009 and both MRI units are accredited by ICAMRL (Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Magnetic Resonance Laboratories). The Dedicated Breast MRI is specifically designed for a woman’s anatomy. Both breasts are screened simultaneously versus the single breast method of a traditional MRI. The table allows feet first entry, which reduces the anxiety commonly associated with MRI screenings.

This tool will further enhance the early detection of breast cancer. It will be particularly helpful for women who have equivocal breast imaging studies and women who are at high risk for breast cancer. It will also be valuable for women who have been recently diagnosed and treated for breast cancer to answer questions about possible residual malignancy. Additionally, breast MRI is one of the most sensitive techniques in evaluating possible rupture of silicone implants and will be useful in evaluating women with questioned implant abnormalities.

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

MRI is a sophisticated technology that uses a computer, magnetic field and radio waves - instead of x-rays - to produce images of the soft tissues in the body. MRI has been safely used for 30 years to provide information to help in the early diagnosis and treatment of disease.

MRI of the breasts has emerged as an invaluable technique in the evaluation of breast disease. When used in conjunction with conventional mammography and breast ultrasound, breast MRI can provide valuable information for the detection and characterization of breast disease. MRI doesn't replace mammography - it's a different imaging technique that provides additional information.

Nationally recognized breast centers currently perform breast MRI for a number of reasons including:

• Surgical planning when newly diagnosed with breast cancer
• Post-surgery evaluation of margins and post chemotherapy follow-up
• Indeterminate findings on conventional breast imaging (mammography and breast ultrasound)
• Monitoring women with high risk of developing breast cancer
• Diagnosis of breast implant rupture

What is a Breast MRI Exam like?

The Aurora Breast MRI unit is designed specifically for your comfort as a woman. During the exam, you will lie on your stomach with your breast placed in openings in the Aurora examination table so that they are suspended away from your chest. Unlike conventional mammography, Breast MRI doesn't require your breast to be compressed, so you shouldn't experience any discomfort. Plus, you'll enter the machine feet first, which reduces feelings of claustrophobia sometimes associated with full-body MRI scanners.

You'll receive an injection (usually in the arm) of a contrast enhancement agent called gadolinium that helps to highlight various structures in breast tissue. The gadolinium is administered through a small intravenous catheter which is placed by a certified technologist.

An initial scan will be taken and then repeated after the gadolinium is administered. For best results, you should lie very still, relax and breathe normally. The technologist can see and hear you at all times. The entire exam takes about 25 minutes.

Women at High Risk

Women at high risk should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required. However, if you are still having periods your appointment needs to be scheduled 7-14 days after the first day of your period. You can eat and drink as you normally would, engage in regular activities, and take any prescription medication.

Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your appointment time. You'll be asked to change into a gown since belts, zippers, snaps and thread in clothing may contain metal that disturb MRI signals. We'll ask you questions before you enter the MRI exam room to confirm that you don't have any metal in or on your body. You'll have to remove all metallic objects such as jewelry, glasses, hairpins and dentures (personal belongings can be locked in a locker). Please be sure to tell the technologist if you have metal implants, a cardiac pacemaker, permanent dental bridges, braces or other metal objects.