Implants and Breast MRI


Can I have Breast MRI if I have implants?

Absolutely. MRI is a useful tool for women who have breast implants since an exam using a contrast agent can help distinguish between the implant, scar tissue, normal and other breast tissues. The pictures from MRI are of the free-hanging breast and are three-dimensional (versus a mammogram, which compresses the breast and only gives a two-dimensional picture).

What is the difference between a breast tissue evaluation with implants and an implant evaluation?

A breast tissue evaluation with implants is concerned with the breast tissue surrounding the implant, whether or not there is cancer. This type of exam requires a contrast agent. An implant evaluation, on the other hand, is just concerned with the implants, for example, if they are leaking or have ruptured. A contrast agent is usually not used in such exams and will therefore provide no information about the possibility of disease in the breast tissue itself.

 


Introduction | Background | What is Breast MRI? | What is MRI?, Learning more | Benefits | Risks | Who is a candidate? | What can Breast MRI tell? | The Exam | Contrast Agent | Cost | Informed Consent | Questions to Ask | Where To Go | Implants | Pictures | What's on the horizon? | Breast Cancer Web Sites | Literature