Our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS), a leader in southeast Louisiana’s women’s health imaging, is pleased to announce that MRI breast biopsy has been added to our stable of women’s health exams.

MRI breast biopsy studies performed at Diagnostic Imaging Services will be done on our 1.2T open MRI scanner.

A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. This can be performed surgically or, more commonly, by a radiologist using a less invasive procedure that involves a hollow needle and image-guidance. Image-guided needle biopsy is not designed to remove the entire lesion. In MRI-guided breast biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging is used to help guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth.

An MRI-guided breast biopsy is most helpful when MR imaging shows a breast abnormality such as:

  • a suspicious mass not identified by other imaging techniques
  • an area of distortion
  • an area of abnormal tissue change

Unlike conventional x-ray examinations and computed tomography (CT) scans, MRI does not utilize on ionizing radiation. Using MRI guidance to calculate the position of the abnormal tissue and to verify the placement of the needle, the radiologist inserts the biopsy needle through the skin, advances it into the lesion and removes tissue samples. If a surgical biopsy is being performed, MRI may be used to guide a wire into the mass to help the surgeon locate the area for excision.

Because this would be performed in a freestanding independent outpatient environment, costs and fees associated with this specialty study will be far below area hospitals. Yet, the quality of the technology, exam services, technologists and physicians are second to none. No sacrificing quality for cost.

In addition to Diagnostic Imaging Services, another Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Advanced Imaging of Lafayette, also performs this specialty exam.

Learn more about MRI biopsy by viewing the video link below.