MRI mammography
Everything you need to know about the examination.
MRI is one of the most modern examination methods in diagnostic radiology, with which cross-sectional images of the human body can be produced in any desired plane without radiation exposure. Thanks to its high resolution and high tissue contrast, it provides a much better representation of anatomical structures than many other imaging techniques. To date, no damage has been reported as a result of the high magnetic flux density and electromagnetic high-frequency fields that occur during MRI.
In addition to mammography and sonography, MR mammography is an important imaging modality in breast diagnostics. MR mammography is characterized in particular by a very high detection rate, even for small tumours. More than 2000 MR mammograms are performed at our institute every year. One of the focal points of our institute is MR mammography as part of intensified early detection in the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer in genetically predisposed patients. The examinations are carried out on the latest generation of MR equipment (Philips Ingenia 1.5 T and 3T).
Frequently asked questions
How can I prepare for the examination?
You do not need to be fasting for a routine MRI scan. Before the examination, you will be informed by a radiologist about the benefits and risks of the examination. You will receive a dedicated information sheet from us in preparation for the consultation. We ask you to read this carefully and complete it truthfully. You can then ask your questions during the subsequent consultation.
If you have metal implants in or on your body, please bring your implant passport with you - if available - and present it during the consultation. If you have a pacemaker, please inform us in advance, as a decision must first be made in cooperation with our cardiology colleagues as to whether and how an MRI examination is possible; special regulations apply here.
If you suffer from severe claustrophobia, it is possible to take a sedative tablet before the examination. However, if you come to the examination as an outpatient, you must be collected. Due to the temporary restriction of your ability to react, you must not drive a motor vehicle or two-wheeler or work on dangerous machinery for 12 hours after the examination.
How does the examination work?
Intravenous administration of a contrast agent is necessary for MR mammography. We only use the latest generation of contrast agents, which are very well tolerated; only in rare cases can there be side effects, about which the doctor will inform you in detail. In order to administer the contrast medium, it is necessary for us to place a venous access in your arm (crook of the elbow or back of the hand) before the examination, which is similar to taking blood. The contrast medium is then administered via an automated pump during the examination. You may feel a little warm, which is completely normal.
As the MRI works with strong magnetic fields, you will be asked to remove all metal objects before entering the examination room, as this may otherwise result in injury.
For the examination, you will be placed in a prone position in the middle of a 70 cm wide tube. The tube remains open during the entire examination, it is bright and well ventilated. The examination device is located in a shielded room and is guarded from the adjacent room by a window and a camera. You can speak to our staff via an intercom system during the examination. We can see you at all times during the examination so that nothing can happen to you.
The MRI examination takes about 20 minutes. This is how long it takes for the measurements to be taken and the computer to calculate the images. During this time, please lie as still as possible. You will hear loud, knocking noises during the examination; you will be given special headphones to protect your hearing. You will then be finished. If you would like to receive a CD of the examination, please wait a moment. If you would like to have a final consultation with one of our radiologists to discuss the findings, please also allow for a little waiting time, as the images must first be analyzed. MR mammograms are generally evaluated by two radiologists. In addition, a software-supported evaluation of the images is carried out.
Further information
- In addition to MR mammography, MRI-guided vacuum biopsies of the breast and MRI-guided preoperative wire marking are also performed
- Read more about our equipment here
- Senological imaging as a focus at the institute
- Research in senological imaging