Breast MRI 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast uses the energy of very strong magnets combined with an injection of gadolinium, a contrast medium used to enhance the images, to determine the nature of breast lesions.  The scan should be performed between days 7 to 14 of the menstrual cycle to eliminate changes in the breast due to hormonal variations. The MRI requires placement of an intravenous line to inject the contrast. The MRI scanners are cylindrical chambers where the table moves into the cylinder order to complete the scan. Individuals who are chlaustrophobic may have difficulty with the scan. Most scanners can perform the scan on both breasts at the same time where other scanners require a return on a different day to adequately evaluate the other breast.

If you have trouble with clasutrophobia, you should alert you physician.  Many centers now require you to have a pre-scan evaluation of your kidney function with a simple blood test.