Bilateral breast magnetic resonance imaging
Breast MRI in Casablanca
Breast MRI examines both breasts using a magnetic field, most often with an injection of contrast agent, without X-rays. It does not replace mammography or ultrasound, but complements them in specific situations. It looks at how the tissues take up the contrast agent, which helps reveal certain lesions that are hard to see otherwise. It is usually requested after a breast workup.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Local assessment of a recently diagnosed breast cancer, before surgery, as advised by the care team.
- Monitoring of women at high familial or genetic risk of breast cancer.
- Assessment of the response to chemotherapy given before surgery.
- Checking for rupture of a silicone breast implant.
- Persistent doubt after mammography and ultrasound.
- Distinguishing between a scar and a recurrence after treatment for breast cancer.
How the exam is done
After the questionnaire, you undress to the waist and put on a gown that opens at the front. A catheter is placed in your arm, except for a simple implant check.
You lie on your stomach, with your breasts placed in the two openings of a dedicated coil and your face on a support. The radiographer adjusts your position with cushions: it is essential not to move, especially between the series taken before and after the injection. The contrast agent is injected automatically during the exam, sometimes with a slight cool feeling in the arm. Headphones reduce the noise. At the end, the catheter is removed and you get dressed.
Preparation
- If you still have periods, schedule your appointment between day 7 and day 14 of your cycle (day 1 being the first day of your period): this is when the breast tissue takes up the least contrast agent.
- Tell us about any hormone treatment (contraception, menopause treatment) or breastfeeding.
- Tell us if you have breast implants, and their type if you know it.
- Let us know if lying on your stomach is difficult for you, for example because of back or shoulder pain.
Fasting
No fasting is needed for a breast MRI. You can eat, drink and take your medications as usual before the exam.
Contrast injection
Gadolinium, injected into a vein in the arm, is essential for most indications. However, it is not used when the exam is only to check the condition of breast implants.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or defibrillator: the exam is possible only with an MRI-compatible device.
- Neurostimulator, cochlear implant, implanted pump, old clip on a brain artery, metal fragment in the eye.
- Breast tissue expander with a metal valve (a temporary expansion implant after surgery): it is often a contraindication to the exam.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Breastfeeding changes the appearance of the breasts on the images.
- Severe kidney failure, claustrophobia, tattoos on the chest.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- Previous mammograms, breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs, with reports
- Breast biopsy or surgery reports, if applicable
- Date of your last period and list of current hormone treatments
- Recent creatinine test if your doctor asks for it
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a breast MRI depends on the extent of the area examined and on the gadolinium injection, essential in most cases but unnecessary for an implant check alone.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a specific time in the cycle?
Under the influence of hormones, breast tissue takes up more or less contrast agent depending on the time of the cycle. In the second week, this natural enhancement is usually minimal, which makes the images easier to read. For the assessment of a cancer that has already been diagnosed, the exam can be done without waiting.
Does MRI replace mammography?
No, the three exams complement each other. Mammography remains the basic exam and shows microcalcifications that MRI does not see well. MRI is reserved for specific situations decided by your doctor, most often in addition to a workup that has already been done.
What happens if the MRI shows an abnormality?
MRI is very sensitive and can show images that turn out to be benign. The radiologist may then suggest a targeted ultrasound, a follow-up check in a few months or a tissue sample. This does not necessarily mean cancer: each situation is discussed with your doctor.
I have gone through menopause: is there a date to follow?
No, the exam can be scheduled at any time. However, tell us about any menopausal hormone therapy: it can increase the contrast uptake of breast tissue, and the radiologist will take it into account in the analysis.
Breast MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a breast MRI depends on the extent of the area examined and on the gadolinium injection, essential in most cases but unnecessary for an implant check alone. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.