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A Breast Biopsy Marker Before MRI: What to Tell the Team

Tell the MRI team about your existing marker and let them complete the safety check.

Mature East Asian woman in a pink cardigan reviewing a plain appointment folder beside her phone at home.
In this article
  1. Start with the marker
  2. Let the team check the wider picture

If an MRI appointment has you wondering about the marker left after your breast biopsy, tell the MRI team about it. Cambridge University Hospitals says these markers identify an area sampled during a biopsy and are unlikely to prevent MRI. That does not replace your own safety check.1

Start with the marker

Try: “I have a marker from a breast biopsy. What information do you need about it before my scan?”1

Keep the question with your appointment details so you remember to raise it.1

Let the team check the wider picture

CUH explains that MRI uses powerful magnets and is not suitable for everyone. Its radiographer goes through a safety checklist. Mention other implants, devices or relevant operations when the team asks; do not assume the answer about a biopsy marker covers another device.1

Try: “Could we confirm that my marker and other medical history have been included in the safety check?”1

My Body Changed. Now What? includes a Visit Brief. Use it to keep your scan question ready for the appointment. See the book.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.

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Sources

The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.

  1. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 2023Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (opens in a new tab)abcde

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