MRI guided biopsy what is this

averagegirl

Hello, I was just diagnosed on April 16th with IDC Stage 2A E/P + HER2 - also with one lymph node involved and have been through a whirlwind of tests and emotions so far. I was supposed to have a second ultrasound biopsy yesterday however they have decided that I need to have an MRI guided biopsy. What is this? I am highly claustrophobic and the idea of them trying this has me overwhelmed. I usually take one half of a valium before a regular MRI but I was told this was going to be a lengthy procedure. Has anyone had one of these before and is it as bad as my mind in making it out to be. So many things to think of and decisions to be made. I also am in the beginnings of a divorce after twenty years so those feelings aren't helping at this point.

Thanks for any advice and for being here.

The MRI guided biopsy was not as bad as I imagined. It was very helpful for my team in developing my plan of care. Thanks everyone

MelissaDallas

Average, my experience was that since you lie on your stomach and go into the tube feet first I am not aware I am enclose

Georgia1

Hi AverageGirl. For my MRI-guided biopsy the MRI part was not particularly long. Like MelissaDallas said, I was lying on my stomach so wasn't claustrophobic and told myself to pretend I was getting a back massage at a spa. (Smile) Then they took me out of the machine to do the biopsy, so at that point I wasn't enclosed any more.

I'm not going to lie, the needle with the pain killer and the breast compression hurt at first, so just ask them to talk to you to distract you - that part of the procedure is no different than an ultrasound-guided biopsy. My techs were really nice and chatty, which helped. Then I was fine driving myself home.

Best of luck to you, and do know your surgeon is doing the right thing. The MRI can tell her exactly what she's dealing with, which is a great. Oh - I should also warn you that the MRI technology will make the tumor appear bigger than it really is - so don't freak out if the report has the size a bit larger than what was seen in the ultrasound. This is all a confusing stress-athon so come back and ask us anything else if we can help.

MarilynIllinois

HI Averagegirl,

Last year I had one breast MRI and 2 MRI guided biopsies. I prepared by watching YouTube videos because I was worried about how many times I would be going in and out of the MRI. After watching several, I felt I can do this!

I talked to the radiologist and he told me he would pick the areas he thought looked most suspicious and biopsy them. He turned out to be exactly right. When my pathology report came back after my mastectomy the PLCIS was only in the areas identified by the MRI. It was not invasive.

I actually thought the biopsy was not as bad as the MRI.

Best wishes to you. A nurse held my hands and I could listen to music on the headphones. I hope everything goes well for you.