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Breast Cancer/Titanium Ribbon Clip Question

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Expert: - 6/30/2011


Question
I had stereotactic core biopsies done on both breasts in October 2010.  All 8 samples taken turned out to be benign fibroadenomas (thank God!) and titanium ribbon clips were implanted to "mark the spots" where the biopsies had been taken (for future reference).

Now I need to have an MRI scheduled (of my left knee).  Will the titanium clips interfere with having an MRI done?  What (if anything) will they affect (i.e.: x-rays, metal detectors at airports, etc.)?

Thank you for your time and assistance with my questions.

Answer
Probably not Since it is your left knee that will be checked probably your knees can be inside the MRI machine while your breasts are outside. Titanium is a metal yes but it is not magnetic so I think magnetic accidents can be avoided. Titanium is the most human tissue friendly material we have. They will hardly affect ordinary x-ray examinations or metal detectors etc. I have myself a lot of metal junk in my left ankle and left hip after a bad accident a long time ago and I have never had any bad experiences in air ports, not even in the USA! Good luck!



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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

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