Connect
Detecting cancer in women with dense breasts: MRI?
I had my one year mammogram today on my left breast and saw the nurse practitioner at my surgeon’s office. She told me it looked great! I asked about a MRI in six months when I am scheduled for my next appt with her and she agreed. However, when I got home I received the mammo report in their my chart app and it stated that the left breast is heterogenously dense which may prevent them from seeing a mass in some cases. So, this concerns me. Does anyone has any experience with this?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@jaynep I think this is a feature of many mammo reports these days. Every mammo report I have read for the last 10 years has included a statement about dense breast tissue. Including those that state there is not dense breast tissue.
I could be wrong but my understanding is MRI is standard every other time for dense breasts. I am sure insurances might be a challenge in some cases. If you have had breast cancer, I wouldn’t think so.
You are getting an MRI next time, correct?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsThank you so much! This reassures me a great deal. Yes, I am getting an MRI next time, although I had to ask for it. She didn’t give me any push back and told me she had no problem with ordering it for my next 6 month check-up. I don’t think she would have suggested it if I hadn’t asked about it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHmm, I just had a similar discussion with my oncologist yesterday. (It's the "dense breast notification" law by the way.) I requested an ultrasound, they refused. They offered a mammogram for my 2nd time. She talked about the option of MRI but then said it is expensive. So, I was not offered the MRI (and this is after 1 year of diagnosis and treatment). The ironic thing is, last year they did a mammogram, then proceeded to do an ultrasound. Then again I have stage 4 and as a kind lady once noted I "belong to another tribe".
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsI had a unilateral mastectomy February 2022, a year ago next week. I had a “ normal “ mammo and ultrasound in October ‘21 but due to an undiagnosed persistent symptom I requested an MRI 2 mos later vs. 6 mos later… TWO, not ONE intermediate size tumors were found. Two biopsies later I was scheduled for surgery.
October ‘22 I had another “ normal” mammo and ultrasound of intact healthy breast. And today I had an MRI ( which I will have annually ).
Just as it was near finished the tech paused and said she had to redo last part.. I hope this is a fairly common thing.. where they need to recalibrate or something . I’m definitely on edge here until I get results. This is a very challenging anniversary week!
Dense breasts?! REQUEST THE MRI!
Mammos miss 10% of breast cancers… it should be a standard add on for women with dense breasts.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
13 ReactionsI am crossing my fingers and my toes, while I wait with you for those results. I am glad you are advocating for yourself and getting what you need.
I no longer get mammograms, but it was easy to ask a couple friends about the reports they receive. I am now telling them all, if you have dense breast to request an MRI, the asking never hurt anybody.
Please come and let me know when you get your results.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
9 ReactionsThank you. 🌸🙏🌸
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThe statistics on dense.org are staggering!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi Jaynep. I had a breast MRI once. I have a history of FNAs both sides. And the density you mention. I’ a sea of cysts on both sides. Fibroadenoma. I get the 3D mammograms. They from what I learned are preferred over the regular mammograms for dense breasts. My MRI lit up white all over. The reports was medical speak so I didn’t get it. I just knew I waited until I didn’t have cycle within so much time or it could render it inconclusive due to xyz. I never requested another MRI. I have a breast surgeon watching me. If she wants it she can request it. Everyone is individual though. What works for one may not for another, but if I were you I’d at least have the 3D mammograms. I think they can detect around 45% more then traditional mammo’s. Good luck and much health to you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@anajalima i had the same thing happen-the second position she had me in and hold my breath she said something to herself and then told me she needed to redo it. I didn’t think anything of it the last time but now I wonder. I feel so frustrated with all of this.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThank you @nemo1. I did have a 3D mammo-I didn’t have to ask for it-the surgeon’s office scheduled it. I feel so frustrated because it seems you have to stay on everyone. I saw my onco in Jan and I go every three months. I just realized today that although I was told they would schedule my next appt they have not done so. So more having to call back.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions