Additional Malignancies Detected By Pre-Op MRI.....

cp418

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/245049.php

Additional Malignancies Detected By Pre-Op MRI In Dense & Non-Dense Breasts

otter

First sentence of the press release:  "Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients should undergo a preoperative MRI exam even if their breasts are not dense, a new study indicates."

Although this is a small study, it's an important one (IMHO).  Many of us did have a pre-op MRI to look for additional tumors, but some did not.  In this study, 25% of patients had additional breast tumors detected by MRI.  That number was the same (25% vs. 26%) regardless of the density of the breast tissue.

otter

Anonymous

Gosh, is this a no brainer or what?  Sometimes it seems that doctors just aren't thinking. 

cp418

Many doctors do not feel it is needed and cannot be bothered dealing with the insurance companies.  This is the resistance I dealt with when I was dx a few years ago.  Maybe times have changed????.......

theBCavenger

I did have two addition cancer tumors spotted via MRI, so I was glad I had one done. That being said, an MRI is not the end-all be-all either. My MRI also showed chest wall invasion and 4 lymph nodes invaded. I was rushed into surgery where I had a BMX and an AND (32 nodes) all nodes were clear and no chest wall invasion. That being said, I still stand behind the decision we made as I would rather be safe than sorry where cancer is concerned.

I think every patient should have an MRI before surgery.

sandpiper1

An interesting thread as I was referred by my BS for an MRI (MRM). I am premenopause and BS wanted to check the current involvement of the known DCIS in the right breast (which was noted to be more invovled than seen on mammo-as if 5cm of total invovlement wasn't enough-now estimated at extremely diffuse and a total of at least 7.7cm), check the nodes and do another look see at lefty. I realize the limitations of any test/tool, however, the MRI picked up 3 suspicious areas in the left breast. I could choose a BMX at this point (who could blame me as I have no choice but to have a right MX as it stands) or do the biopsy and make a decision based on those results. It's my body, my decision and he would have understood my decision either way. I chose to have the biopsy(s) because I need to know what, if anything, we are dealing with. I guess at the end of the day I wanted the BMX, but couldn't justify removing that 'good' breast without knowing what I was actually doing. I need my information to make an informative decision regarding how I wish to proceed. I didn't want to proceed with a BMX based on fear. I may still proceed....we shall see what the biospy results reveal. I do have to say, the MRI-guided biopsy was much easier than the streotactic biopsy. Yeesh.....interesting article that would warrant further study. Awaiting results.....I am not aware of any current study going on about this in my area, perhaps I will become part of that study when someone takes it on and does the record retreivals....

sandpiper1

Oh and I was reminded that those of us with dense breasts.......it is like looking for a snowman in a snowstorm......heh......I hope my snowmen are just little benign snowballs.

dogsandjogs

The Breast Center did not do an MRI until I mentioned I felt a lump under the armpit (it was nothing)

Before I could have it though, it had to be approved by my insurance, they usually don't pay for more than a mammogram or an ultrasound (initial diagnosis after I found the lump)

I can see why - they charged $6,000 for the MRI. which took maybe 20 minutes. I guess we are paying for these million dollar machines. Why else would it cost this much?

sandpiper1

Yeah another downfall in the system. Often times there is still that margin of error or 'lack of evidence' and insurance carriers do not want to pay for what they deem "unnecessary" and expensive tests. That said, I was told I had a copay of $65 both times I went for the MRI. Good thing I had called my insurance company before all of this 'snowballed' (slight pun intended). I have met my dedcutable for the year and I am only responsible for MD office copays. (a few have waived some of my copays and billed under a different code). The collaborative practice nurse checks with my insurance for preauth before she schedules me for any testing or procedures. I wish everyone could be so fortunate. If my biopsy substantiates the suspicious results of the MRI...........How long would it have taken to see those suspicious critters on mammo. I'll refrain from shuddering at that thought until I get my results.

sandpiper1

Good news! Left had benign fibrocystic changes. Still trying to sort out if any of these changes (there were a couple of different types of changes) would increase my risk of BC and if so, by how much. My age needs to be factored in as well, but I am relieved, a bit confused as to how to proceed. Jury is out until I speak directly with my BS. Silver lining is I will only need a right SNB. YEAH! Totally my decision whether to proceed with a umx or bmx. Leaning with a umx.....