Architectural distortion - MRI with manganese needed

Hadiya

I was diagnosed with an architectural distortion late last fall. Four weeks later, it had grown from 1 cm to 3.6 cm. Stereotactic biopsy was recommended but I can not do it due to PTSD so an MRI was suggested. Then, my Mom died so I'm only now getting back to my own health issues. I am allergic to iodine so they will need to use gadolinium ~ I have Lyme disease and the heavy metal will be difficult for me. Do any of you know any hospitals which are using manganese contrast agents? My hospital does not.

Also, I just started having severe burning in my breast this weekend. Is this normal with an architectural distortion if it is a complex sclerosing lesion or would that point to cancer? My BIRADS was 4 and my mother and both grandmothers had breast cancer but not until they were elderly.

I am considering not moving forward with the MRI and monitoring by tomo instead because I'm pretty overwhelmed right now although the burning is worrisome.

Thoughts on any or all three of these issues?
And love to all of you as we walk this path together...

Veeder14

Sorry to hear about your situation and your mom's death. I'm pretty new at this stuff only diagnosed in Jan. Can your PTSD doctor contact whomever you are seeing for your breast issues and see if you can be sedated for an MRI biopsy. I know hospitals sedate certain patients for dental surgery if they can't get a procedure done in the dental office. I wouldn't put off getting this looked at especially since you mention the area has grown, and you have a family history. Do you live in or near a major city hospital? I can't answer your other questions but I hope it can be worked out so you can get your diagnostics done.

Hadiya

Thanks. I'm not worried about PTSD with the MRI - it's the heavy metal contrast agent that would be very difficult for my blood stream because of the Lyme Disease. (Well, in my opinion, it's not great for any of us really but with those of us with kidney involvement, it can be very bad.) Thank you for writing and giving me your thoughts!

Do you know anything about the burning sensation in my breast?

Veeder14

Hi,

Sorry I don't know about the burning your feeling. My cancer was found on MRI, I didn't have any symptoms. I think your right, the contrast isn't good for anyone. I've had too much of this and two other types in the last year. Maybe you could call the radiology dept of a major hospital to see if they use manganese contrast agents.

Hadiya

Thanks so much. If you feel like sharing, can you tell me about your diagnosis please?

And thanks for your suggestion about calling hospital.

All best to you Veeder!

djmammo

Hadiya

Can you post your ultrasound report?

Also, iodine containing contrast is never used with MRI.

Hadiya

Thanks. I've had 2 USs and both were clear. Tomo was birads 4 as I said - with architectural distortion growing from 1 cm to 3.6 cm in 4 weeks.

I was told that the MRI contrast contained both iodine and gadolinium but they would do the 100% gadolinium because of my allergy. Perhaps I misunderstood? Thanks for your help. I'm concerned that the gadolinium will be very hard on my body due to Lyme.

I can post both my US and Tomo reports if that would be helpful.

djmammo

Hadiya

Gad can be a problem in patients with decreased renal function so most places do a quick bit of blood work before the scan.

Hadiya

Thanks djmammo. I appreciate your help! All best to you...