Hormonal Influences on Breast Tissue during the Normal Menstrual Cycle - Assignment Example

Hormonal influences on breast tissue during the normal menstrual cycle and why it is important when scheduling a breast M.R.I. A magnetic resonance imaging (M.R.I) is a test that uses magnetic and radio waves to take pictures of organs in the body. It is normally used to detect cancer growths. It is important for a doctor who is about to perform a breast MRI on a female patient, to consider the menstrual cycle of the woman. According to Suri (2009), the hormonal imbalance in female patient affects MRI accuracy.

Menstrual occurs during cycles of between twenty three and thirty five days. In the book, Suri (2009), explain that, after the first half of the menstrual cycle is the best time to perform a breast MRI in women who experience a normal menstrual cycles. It is very difficult to figure out the best time to perform an MRI on women with irregular menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that it is essential for doctors to measure progesterone levels before performing a breast MRI in women with irregular menstrual cycles.

This helps in improving accuracy hence reducing possibility of repeat tests. An MRI uses magnetic and radio waves to create a three dimension image of the breast (Brooks, 2006). A gadolinium which is a contrast resolution is injected in the body during an MRI. It collects in areas which have cancer growth thus helping doctors to see the cancer. When progesterone levels are high more blood flows in the breast. When this is the case, the contrast solution collects through ought the entire breast.

This makes distinguishing regular tissues and irregular tissues hard, hence possibility of repetitionAccording to Michell (2010), today measuring of progesterone level should be done before a breast MRI is done routinely especially for women who have irregular menstrual cycles. However menstrual cycle whether regular or irregular should be put into consideration before an MRI is done. Disappointingly, most radiologists do not assess progesterone level or even put the women’s menstrual cycle into consideration.

This turns out to be very expensive due to the repeat test which cost a tone of money. If a woman is about to have a breast MRI scan, she should talk to her radiologist about timing the MRI with respect to their menstrual cycle. If possible, Michell (2010) suggests that women should avoid going for a breast MRI during the second half of their menstrual cycle. This is because progesterone levels are high during this period hence affecting the accuracy of the MRI resulting to repeat tests which is very expensive.

However, it is important for women to note that any cancer is best treated if it is detected early. So if a woman is just going for recommended breast MRI which is least thrice a year, she should put her menstrual cycle into consideration. But if they do self examinations and discover symptoms for example, a lump in either of their breast they should go for a breast MRI immediately irrespective of their menstrual cycle (Michell, 2010). ReferencesBrooks, A. H. ( 2006). Breast Cancer Research Protocols.

New York : Springer.Michell, M. J. (2010). Breast Cancer. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Suri, R. M. (2009). Recent Advances in Breast Imaging, Mammography, And Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Breast Cancer. Washington: SPIE Press.