MRI Breast Biopsy

Procedure

• The biopsy procedure takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
• You will change into MRI safe clothes when you arrive. It will all be given to you.
• A tiny metal marker is often placed in the area of the biopsy.
• There are no stitches after the procedure but there may be some closure tapes, like Steri-Strips™ or a Band- Aid®, and an ice pack.
• You will most likely be able to go back to your normal activities the next day. However, wait at least 3 days before you swim or go in a hot tub.
• You will get instructions before you go home.
• Results are ready within 3 to 5 business days. You will be contacted by a breast cancer nurse (RN) over the phone, unless you have specified a different way you want to be notified of the results. Results can be found in MyChart.

Preparation

Before Your Procedure

Because an MRI uses strong magnets it is important to do the following:

• Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker.
• Tell the person doing the scan (technologist) about any metal you may have in your body, such as metal implants, metal shrapnel in your body, bb, etc. - You will need to have the exact make and model number of the metal implant. - You may have to wait for your MRI until all implants are reviewed and approved for safety.

Day of Your Procedure How to Get Ready

• You can drive yourself to the procedure.
• Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.
• You can eat and drink normally the day of your procedure.

Considerations

Let the technologist know:

• If you are on any blood thinners.
• If you have had any previous surgery.
• If you have difficulty lying flat on your stomach or if you have neck problems.