Breast MRI

[Notjustabrunette]

Hello, I’m due to have an MRI for breast cancer diagnosis. Not sure what to expect in terms of how long it would take if it’s ok to drive etc?

@Notjustabrunette It's the same as having a CT Scan - it lasts about the same time but is a bit noisier.

Hmmmm - if you haven't had a CT Scan that's not very helpful is it.

Here you go - NHS information about MRI Scans

From Cancer Research UK

Hope these help.

Thanks, haven’t had a CT scan before, but the video was useful.

It's really not that bad. I was so worried beforehand but it was a waste of worrying!

I'm slightly claustrophobic but because you're faced down with your head in a little hole like when you have a massage, it didn't feel at all claustrophobic and your head is only just in the machine. It was noisy which was a bit annoying but not scary and it lasted about 30 mins in the machine plus a bit at the beginning putting the cannula in as at some point they inject some dye into you, which doesn't hurt. I wish I'd been a bit more hydrated when I went so it would have made the cannula easier to get in. They made me sit and have 5-10 mins with a cup of tea afterwards then I was fine to drive back home.

Mine wasn’t the same as my CT scans at all.

For my MRI I had to lie on my front and was in the machine for about 45 minutes. They played music through headphones and I had a panic button if I needed out.

my CT scans are just in and out of the giant polo mint in a matter of moments including with contrast.

MRIs are noisey and can be claustrophobic - I found rescue remedy helped and practising my breathing.

good luck @Notjustabrunette- if it helps in my experience the staff have been incredibly lovely and helpful every single time

My breast MRI had music and was lying on your front and open scanner. It wasn't that long, maybe 30 mins and fine to drive if you are ok emotionally. I was given headphones with music so noise wasn't an issue but can be noisy if don't have those.