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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?
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@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?
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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.
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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".
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6 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.
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12 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.
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9 ReactionsThank you. 🌸🙏🌸
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1 ReactionThe statistics on dense.org are staggering!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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