Breast MRI
Breast MRI
Breast MRI (pronounced: /brest/ /ɛm/ /ɑːr/ /aɪ/), also known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast, is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the breast tissue.
Etymology
The term "Breast MRI" is derived from the words "Breast", referring to the mammary gland in females, and "MRI", an acronym for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The term "Magnetic Resonance Imaging" was coined in the late 20th century, with "magnetic" referring to the magnetic fields used, "resonance" referring to the resonant frequency of the target tissue, and "imaging" referring to the process of creating an image.
Procedure
During a Breast MRI, the patient lies face down on a specially designed table. The breasts are positioned into a hollow depression in the table, which contains coils that detect the magnetic signal. The table then slides into the large cylinder-shaped MRI machine, which takes the images. The procedure usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
Uses
Breast MRI is primarily used to screen for breast cancer, especially in women who are at high risk. It can also be used to assess the extent of cancer following a diagnosis, to monitor the response to treatment, or to evaluate complications of breast implants.
Related Terms
- Mammography: An imaging technique that uses low-dose x-rays to examine the breasts.
- Ultrasound: A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body's internal structures.
- Biopsy: A procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.
- Radiology: The medical specialty that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases within the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Breast MRI
- Wikipedia's article - Breast MRI
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