MRI after 3D Mammogram - dense breast tissue

I had a “ normal” 3D mammo and a “ normal” ultrasound last October ( I went in with a symptom), and have “ moderately “ dense breasts.

My symptom persisted and so did I … I insisted on an MRI two months later and TWO TUMORS and a positive node were found.

In my opinion, alternating mammo and MRI for dense breasts is the ONLY way to go! I saved my life by insisting on it!

Thank you for sharing your experience with me! I am so sorry this happened, but I applaud you for advocating for yourself and insisting to the MRI. I hope you are revovering well!

This was one of the first appointments I have had during this cancer process where I attended alone. I think, in the future, I absolutely need my husband or a family member with me. I find myself a little less likely to speak up when it is just me--usually because I'm trying to absorb all of the information at the time.

Again, thank you for sharing--take care!

I had a unilateral mastectomy in February’22 and my ONCOTYPE suggested that chemo was not a benefit in my case. Breast surgeons did not recommend radiation ( it’s a long story) so I am taking Aromatase for 5-10 years . Tolerating well for the stuff one can observe. Will do a DEXA in one year ( verses 2 ) to get an early handle on bone mineral density. Of course insurance will only pay every 2 years … IMO an oz. prevention is worth a pound of cure !

I’m recovering well so far 🌸

Great idea. It takes a village. I always bring a second pair of ears!

Best to you 🌸

I have dense breasts also. I have shared this on this site before but 2 months after I was told my 3D mammogram was negative for cancer I felt a lump and then an ultrasound detected a 2 cm adeno squamous metaplastic carcinoma. I fought for the ultrasound because I had read that 3D mammograms were missing cancer in dense breast tissue.

Maybe you should get a second opinion. What do you think?

I also have dense beast and use to had yearly mammograms. Yet 7 months after a yearly mammogram in 2018, I found lump that turned out to be cancer and had already moved to lymph nodes.

After treatment (lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, AIs) I had mammogram and MRI for surveillance for first few years. Just had routine recheck with Mayo oncology and going to start alternating. So, I had MRI last week, in 6 months will do mammogram, then MRI 6 months later, etc....

One reason is insurance companies guidelines. I am on Medicare, and they only approve mammograms once a year going forward unless there is new lump.

As far as false negatives, I have had abdominal scans that found cysts that I panicked about. Drs. assure me they are not a issues. All the advancement in technology are great, but they do find things that may never cause you problems or develop into something serious.

Laurie

@2r3b In 2019 in had a 3D mammo and results came back normal. I had DCIS in 2004 and after my lumpectomy, I always ent back to my breast surgeon yearly for an exam. I felt, they are in the breast business and know what to feel for vs Gynecologist. When I moved I found that I didn’t have a breast surgeon and that was part of my medical preventative protocol if you will. I continued always having yearly mammograms & all was fine. Finally I made an appointment w/ a breast surgeon, recommended by my PCP. He studied my mammo and said ‘due to your dense tissue, let’s do a MRI’. I didn’t realize they even did MRIs of the breast. Lo & behold they found something, it was cancer.
I now have alternating mammo & MRIs every 6 months. My oncologist was alternating yearly but my surgeon said ‘if we are going to check you let’s Check you & recommended 6 month checks’. I feel you need to insist on the MRI. Blessings

I quite agree!

I had a recent diagnosis of DCIS that was found on a 3D mammogram & had a lumpectomy. I’m 62 & have always had dense breast reported on mammograms. I never knew & never did a doctor suggest that I should have more testing done if you have dense breast tissue. Since being diagnosed with DCIS my surgeon told me I need a yearly mammogram alternated 6 months later with a MRI going forward just to be sure nothing shows up in the dense tissue. We need to be our own advocates for our healthcare. Since having DCIS I’ve done extensive research to see what treatment options are available & I speak up at the appointments. If they don’t listen I keep repeating till they do or can explain why they don’t agree or I’ll find another doctor who will listen. My thought is this is my health, my life & I’d like to be here as long as possible. Sometimes the “standard” treatment doesn’t apply to every situation.

@rene1636 agree totally with what you said. Keep on keeping on 💪🏼