First in Santa Fe: MRI Guided Breast Biopsy at X-ray Associates of NM
X-ray Associates of NM was the first to offer this minimally invasive biopsy technique. The First MRI-guided breast biopsy in Santa Fe at X-ray Associates of NM. MRI biopsy is perform in situations when an abnormal finding is detect on the MRI study but not convincingly seen on mammography or ultrasound. The patient cannot have risk factors precluding MRI. We invite you to contact our expert team at (505) 428-6165 and schedule your own mammogram with MRI guid breast biopsy today!
What is Mammography?
Mammography is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breast use to detect abnormalities. The procedure is perform by a radiologist, who will position your breast on a platform and compress it with a paddle. An x-ray machine will then take images of your breast from different angles. Mammography can be use to screen for breast cancer, or it can be use to diagnose breast cancer after an abnormal finding has been detect on a screening mammogram or clinical exam.
Why Are Some Women Screened With MRI?
At X-ray Associates of New Mexico, we were the first to offer MRI guide breast biopsy – a minimally invasive biopsy technique that is perform when an abnormal finding is detect on the MRI study, but not convincingly seen on mammography or ultrasound. The patient cannot have risk factors precluding MRI.
So, why are some women screened with MRI?
MRI can be use to screen women who have very dense breast tissue. The First MRI-guided breast biopsy in Santa Fe at X-ray Associates of NM. Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, it can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities on a mammogram. Therefore, the addition of MRI screening for women with dense breasts may improve the cancer detection rate.
Another reason why a woman may undergo breast MRI is if she has had prior breast cancer.
What are the contraindications for MRI?
There are a few contraindications for MRI. These include having risk factors that preclude the use of MRI. Additionally, patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have an MRI breast biopsy. The First MRI-guided breast biopsy in Santa Fe at X-ray Associates of NM.
How Does an MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy Work?
During an MRI-guide breast biopsy, a small area of the breast is numbed with local anesthesia. A hollow needle is then insert into the breast and guide to the area of concern using real-time MRI images. Once the needle is in place, a small sample of tissue is remove and sent to a lab for analysis. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour, and you can go home afterwards. There is minimal pain associate with the procedure, and you may experience some bruising or swelling in the area afterwards. These side effects are usually minor and resolve on their own within a few days.
What Happens Next?
After the biopsy, you may have some bruising in the area. The bleeding and swelling can make the breast seem larger. You will be able to go home after a short recovery period. The First MRI-guided breast biopsy in Santa Fe at X-ray Associates of NM.
Will I Need Another Procedure if Additional Cancer Is Found?
No. The biopsy needle is very thin, and usually only leaves a small mark. You may have some soreness or bruising in the area for a day or two. You will be able to resume all your normal activities the next day. In some cases, bleeding and swelling can make the breast seem larger. This usually goes away within a few days.
Who Should I Talk To About This Procedure?
If you have been diagnose with breast cancer, or if you have risk factors for breast cancer, you may be a candidate for an MRI-guide biopsy. This minimally invasive procedure is perform under local anesthesia and does not require sedation. There is no pain or bruising in the area. The procedure takes about an hour, and you will be able to go home the same day. If you are interest in learning more about this procedure, please contact X-ray Associates of NM.
What are the side effects of a breast MRI?
There are no major side effects associate with breast MRI. You may experience some discomfort from lying on the hard table and having to hold still for long periods of time. The magnet use in the MRI machine can be loud, so you may be given earplugs or headphones to help block out the noise. Some people feel claustrophobic inside the small space of the MRI machine, but you will be able to communicate with the technologist at all times.
How accurate is MRI-guided breast biopsy?
MRI-guide breast biopsy is a minimally invasive biopsy technique that is use to detect abnormalities in the breast. The accuracy of this technique is extremely high, and it is often use in situations where other methods, such as mammography or ultrasound, have fail to provide conclusive results. X-ray Associates of NM was the first facility in Santa Fe to offer this procedure, and we are proud to be able to provide our patients with the highest level of care possible. If you have been diagnose with an abnormal finding on an MRI study, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
How long does an MRI-guided breast biopsy take?
The length of an MRI-guide breast biopsy procedure can vary depending on the number and location of the lesions being biopsies. Generally, the procedure takes between 30 and 60 minutes. During the procedure, the patient will lie on their stomach on an exam table with their breast hanging through a hole in the table. A gel pad and compression device will be use to position the breast and help keep it still during the procedure. The radiologist will then use real-time imaging to guide a needle through the skin and into the lesion. The entire procedure is usually perform under local anesthesia, meaning that the patient will be awake but have numbing medication injected into their breast to minimize discomfort.
How do you feel after a breast MRI?
After a breast MRI, you may feel a sense of relief. If your mammogram or ultrasound show an abnormal finding, but the MRI show that it was not cancer, you will be glad to have avoid a biopsy. If the MRI show an abnormal finding that need to be biopsie, you may feel anxious about the procedure. But knowing that the doctors at X-ray Associates of NM are experience and have the latest technology will help ease your mind.
What does a breast MRI feel like?
Most patients report that a breast MRI is not uncomfortable. You will lie on your stomach on an exam table with your breast hanging through an opening. A special coil will be place around your breast to help image the area of concern. The technologist will then move you into the scanner where you will remain for approximately 30 minutes while images are being acquire. Some patients may feel claustrophobic during the exam, but earplugs and music are available to help alleviate this. If you begin to feel anxious, let the technologist know and they can help make you more comfortable.
Why do I need a MRI breast biopsy?
If you have recently had an MRI and your doctor has found an abnormal finding, they may recommend a breast biopsy.
Can you tell if a breast tumor is cancerous from an MRI?
At X-ray Associates of New Mexico, we were the first to offer MRI guide breast biopsy – a minimally invasive technique use to obtain tissue samples from an abnormal finding detecte on an MRI study. While an MRI cannot tell definitively if a breast tumor is cancerous, it can help doctors better identify which areas to biopsy. If you have been diagnose with breast cancer, or are at high risk for the disease, talk to your doctor about whether an MRI guide breast biopsy is right for you.
