MRI Guided Biopsy

bruinjamie21

Hi there. New here. 41 years old with a strong family history of breast cancer (but BRCA -). I have to go for an MRI guided biopsy after they saw 2 areas of concern on my recent (1st) breast MRI that I CHOSE to start doing yearly for extra screening. Prior to this MRI I had a mammogram callback and ultrasound for what turned out to be a lymph node and this new finding is unrelated to that.

Can those who have been thru this tell me what to expect from the biopsy? It's my first and I'm very nervous. Also... if you've had your cancer diagnosed this way, would you mind sharing? My surgeon said there's a less than 10% chance this is anything and that's the downfall of doing the MRIs is that they're super sensitive and lead to a lot of biopsies that turn out to be benign BUT I was just curious if anyone had their cancer picked up on an MRI but missed on a mammogram AND ultrasound.

Thanks in advance for any help.

MsRukia

the biopsy is so weird. I’ve been through it twice now albeit by sonogram. They first find the spot that they want to biopsy after positioning you on the table. Then they will numb the areas they want to biopsy. The will then use the imaging to make that when they put in the needle it goes to the right place. They will then take the samples by however they are doing it for you. Then once they get the samples they will take out the needle and be done with that part. There’s minimal bleeding and then the bandage it. You get your aftercare instructions and then you are sent home to wait

EngJojo

This is my first post! I was diagnosed via screening mammogram and got called back. I ultimately had an ultrasound guided biopsy which came back as ILC grade 2. With ILC they sometimes order a breast MRI which they did for me. I was told the MRI would likely pick up more areas as they err on the false positive side. Well, I now have to have 2 areas biopsied guided by MRI and an ultrasound and possible biopsy of a lymph node. The waiting for appointments and results is hard. Every appointment I have seems to be 1 week away. My mammogram was Feb 12 and my diagnosis was Mar 12. I likely won't have a surgery plan until the week of Apr 12. Anyway, please let us know how the MRI guided biopsy goes as I may be having mine after you. I'm scheduled for Apr 3.

bruinjamie21

I'm actually April 3rd too so we can agonize together. Best of luck. I'm so sorry you have to deal with all the waiting. This totally sucks.

Vera66

So I have had both, Ultrasound guided biopsy and MRI guided biopsy. Ultrasound guided biopsy is usually done when there are larger areas of concern. They do the MRI guided biopsy when the areas are very small and difficult to locate. My right sided breast cancer was diagnosed doing an ultrasound guided biopsy. They then did an MRI and found three areas in my left breast that were of concern. Then I underwent an MRI guided biopsy of the left breast. All three areas were benign. MRI's pick up everything. This is good, because once they clear you after an MRI, you feel really cleared. Unfortunately, that means there are a lot of false positives.

I actually found the MRI biopsy easier than the MRI. They put you in the machine and locate the area of concern. Then they pull you out and use a very small needle to extract the specimen. Then they put you back into the machine and check that they got it right. I found this easier because there are people in the room with you for most of it, and they are talking to you. You are completely numb, so it did not hurt. Most facilities will give you some xanax to take the edge off as long as you have a driver. I called ahead to my facility and asked what it would be like, and they were very nice about talking me through it. The xanax also made it easier. I had my results within 24 hours.

I am wishing you the best, the odds of it being nothing are definitely in your favor. Keep us posted.

bruinjamie21

Vera66 this is really helpful and eased a lot of my anxiety. I can’t thank you enoug