Will my MRI breast biospy be done with contrast?

@jeaniem I've had two MRI breast biopsies. I believe I was in the machine for about 20 minutes. You are in the same semi-prone position that you were in for the regular breast MRI. I didn't see exactly what the equipment was but the breast that is not being scanned has something compressing it up. The breast that is getting biopsied feels like it is in a mammo squish. They put something on your back so you are more squished than with the regulat breast MRI. You will feel the pinch of the anesthetic of course. I took a sedative for each of them. I did deep breathing, as best I could, and counted my breaths as a distraction. I also focused on the fact that I needed to do the MRI biopsy for my journey back to health. And, whenever I get any type of scan, I keep my eyes closed as long as I'min the machine. Yes, I'm claustrophobic. Of course they give you an alarm thingy to squeeze if you need to stop the test and the techs talk you through everything. So, if you can take one, I recommend a sedative. Make sure you let them know at radiology that you are going to take one. They may want you to be sedative free when you sign consent paperwork. I did better when I waited to take the sedative because, at least in my case, I was there for about 1/2 hour before they started the scanning. My best wishes to you on your journey.

@jeaniem I think that "vaccuum assisted" is the suction that's used to draw out the cells. That's what I was watching spin out over the tubing. You don't feel it. I'm surprised that they used that term with you. However, in the old days, biopsies were done with a scalpel. Imagine. Women ended up with a scar (and smaller boobs) even if the mass/area was benign.

Yes, they will do an MRI with and without contrast. I wouldn’t worry about the contrast dye, they need it to visualize your lesion. I am going to have to have one every year for the foreseeable future. I am 71 and had the exact same thing in Jan 2025. No calcifications or abnormalities on mammogram, but a slight nipple discharge. MRI showed non mass enhancement. From the biopsy, I was diagnosed with DCIS, but also had a 4mm foci of IDC. I had a lumpectomy and opted for radiation via brachytherapy. I was taking anastrozole since my cancer was ER+Pr+, but have discontinued for now. I may resume it shortly, since I tolerated it well.
Warm wishes to you, it’s quite a lot when you’re going through it all, but there will be better days before you know it. This forum is the best! I’ve answered and asked many questions throughout my diagnosis and treatment. The contrast dye is mostly a problem if you have kidney disease, which they screen you for before they use it. 💚

Sorry, you have probably had your MRI and it will or would have been with contrast.
Because my DCIS was only detected with an MRI, I have a mammogram and six months later MRI.

I did have a lumpectomy, radiation and five years or aromatase inhibitors (Anastrozole).
I ended my treatment in December.
I still see my doctor every six months with a mammogram and six months later an MRI.
I’d like to think I am done with cancer but you always need to be vigilant.

@beyourownadvocate
Best wishes to you! I hope mine is low grade if its not benign. My mom and grandmother had agressive cancers that required chemo and radiation. Mom did well but has some nerve damage. Grandmother had recurrence the same year and passed away soon after.