What is an MRI Breast Biopsy?

These biopsies use MRI technology to guide a needle into the breast and accurately remove tissue from any lumps or areas of abnormality, that have been identified during routine breast imaging. The information gained from these biopsies is critical to determining what treatments are best and allow your primary care provider to formulate a personalised care plan. 

 

Understanding your procedure

Before your MRI Breast Biopsy:

You may need a blood test in the days prior to assess your kidney function and how your blood clots. 

  • Please let us know if you:
    - Are pregnant.
    - Have any health problems.
    - Have any allergies.
    - Are taking any medication including blood thinners such as Warfarin.
    - Have any metal or internal devices in your body.
    - Have recently had surgery.
    - Are claustrophobic.

 

On the day:

  • You may be asked to fast prior to your procedure. 

When you arrive:

  • Please check in with reception. We’ll make sure your details are correct and ask you to complete any consent forms. 
  • You will be taken to the procedure room where our MRI Technologists and a radiologist will explain your procedure and ask for your consent.

 

During your procedure:

  • Some MRI exams use an injection of contrast material to investigate the difference between diseased and normal tissue. 
  • The radiologist will help to position you on the treatment table and make sure you are comfortable. 
  • The scan table will slide into the centre of the MRI machine, 
  • Your breasts will be positioned into an opening in the table. 
  • We will use a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort.
  • The radiologist uses MR images to find the abnormal tissue and accurately place the needle. 
  • The needle is inserted into the skin and tissue samples are removed from the breast lesion.
  • You will be awake during your procedure and should experience minimal discomfort. 
  • Most patients tolerate this procedure well with no complications.

 

After your procedure:

  • Your medical team will watch you for several hours after the biopsy to make sure you do not develop complications, then you will be allowed to go home.
  • You will not be able to drive after your procedure, so please make alternative arrangements to get home safely, such as a ride from a friend or family member. 
  • You may experience swelling and bruising following your biopsy which can be treated using standard painkillers. 
  • You should rest for 24 hours before resuming regular activities.

Frequently asked questions

  • An MRI Breast Biopsy provides quick effective diagnosis and treatment without surgical intervention.
  • It is a safe, simple procedure performed by our team of specialist Interventional Radiologists.
  • An MRI Breast Biopsy involves minimal pain, requires minimal recovery time and results in no significant scarring to the breast.
  • An MRI scan can produce detailed images more effectively than other scan options such as x-ray, CT and ultrasound scanning.

  • An MRI is a large cylindrical tube surrounded by a circular magnet. 
  • An MRI scan uses radio waves instead of radiation. 
  • A computer processes the signals to create images that we can study from various angles. 

As with any medical procedure, this procedure comes with some risks. If you experience any of the following in your breasts after your procedure, you should contact your doctor:

  • Excessive swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Drainage
  • Redness
  • Heat

Yes, you're welcome to bring up to two support people with you to your scan. If you require more than two, please contact us so we can work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. 

If your support person needs to enter the MRI room with you, they must complete an MRI safety check first. Our team will let you know whether this is safe and appropriate for your scan.  

Please note: for some examinations, a support person may not be able to enter the scan room for safety, privacy, or clinical reasons. Our team will talk you through this if it applies to your appointment.  

If you need to bring children, please make sure another responsible adult comes with you to supervise them throughout your appointment. Our team need to focus on your care and cannot supervise children.  

If arranging childcare is difficult, please contact us before your appointment. We will do our best to find an option that works for you, so childcare does not prevent you from receiving care.

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