Breast MRI

[BJSaws]

My oncologist wants me to have a Breast MRI in September at the time of my annual mammogram.  It is just for screening since I am a Breast Cancer Survivor.  I had a right-side mastectomy in November of 2003 (1.1 cm tumor, no lymph node involvement, triple negative).  I have been fine since my surgery and completion of my chemotherapy.

My question:  Is a breast MRI like a regular MRI, i.e., to you have to be in the "tunnel"?  I am very claustrophobic and need to know in advance if I need to schedule the MRI at a center than has open MRI's.

If anyone who has had this procedure could tell me what to expect, I would be very grateful.  The more details, the better.  Thank you in advance.

[BJSaws]

Thank you both for your comments.  Since this is just for screening, not diagnosing a problem, I think I will tell my oncologist that I don't want to do it.  Just reading your posts made me anxious.  I can't even do elevators unless they are very large and only have a few people in them, and then for a maximum of four floors at a time.  I have climbed 10 flights of stairs to avoid getting into a small elevator with other people.  This is the only phobia I have, but it is powerful.
When I questioned my oncologist about the accuracy of the breast MRI, he admitted that they produce a lot of false positives.  He said, however, that they can pick up some things that a mammogram might miss.  I know he is being proactive, but perhaps he and I can settle on the mammo plus an ultrasound.
Thanks again for your help.

[Wessy]

Hello, I had a breast MRI about 1 week ago. So, I thought I could respond to your email with a relative amount of knowledge.
I was given an IV as they put a contrast in your system at the end part of the MRI. Thats not too bad...Anyway, then you are in a tunnel and your breasts are put in a boxed area and they kind of hang down into the area (it is not uncomfortable). Then your chin is placed on a rest and your arms are bent at the elbow and above your head. That was the most difficult part for me as my hands fell asleep and I could not move them until the noise part stopped (at least I sort of moved them and wiggled my fingers and that helped the circulation a little). They give you earplugs and they talk to you and tell you how long each "noise" segment is going to last and that helps because you know there is an end to each section. It takes (at least mine did) about 30 minutes.
I suppose if you are claustrophobic, I would ask for a mild sedative. I freaked out at first but then I calmed down after about a minute or so. I am a bit claustrophobic but I did not need a sedative. So, I guess what I am saying is that it is not too bad and it goes by rather quickly.
I have to go back in on the 24 for a MRI guided wire placement and then to surgery. And, no I am not too thrilled about having another MRI and thats really only because I am not a huge fan of my hands falling asleep.
I hope that helps...Best of Luck, Celeste

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Breast MRI would also entail you going through this tunnel for a period of time, but an additional apparatus called a "breast coil" may be placed over your breast area.  Claustrophobia is a relative contraindication to MRI and I suggest you discuss this in depth with your doctor.  You may ask your doctors if you can have some form of anxiolytic or sedative during the procedure to make you relax in undergoing the procedure.

At present, MRI of the breast is still of experimental utility and I also suggest you ask your doctor the necessity of this test.

Regards and God bless.