Question about DCIS and MRI

momof5a

Was just diagnosed with DCIS this past week and I have a MRI scheduled for Wednesday- does anyone know what an MRI will show? Specifically, I’m nervous that the DCIS will be “upgraded”... I’ve already been told that I will need a mastectomy because I have small breasts and the area affected is too large. I know I could easily google but I’m mentally exhausted at this point. Thank you in advance

kathabus

MRIs are more sensitive than mammograms and US, so it might pick up something the other screenings have missed. For example, my breast MRI showed a spot the mammogram and US missed, and I needed to have an MRI-guided biopsy. (It was fortunately a benign papilloma). They did not know what the spot was until we did the biopsy. Not sure if DCIS could be upgraded with an MRI reading or not....I think that usually happens after surgery, if that's the case. But someone will come along with that info.....good luck to you!!

Jelson

Momof5a- MRIs are more accurate than mammos and ultrasound for diagnosing and understanding the extent of the DCIS. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC63835... a quote from this article : "The presentation of a DCIS in imaging examinations can vary greatly, creating a dilemma for the radiologist. Therefore, MRI plays an important role in the detection of DCIS, especially in evaluating its extent, thus making surgical excision more reliable and reducing the rate of local recurrence." I wouldn't be alarmed - it sounds like your team is trying to get as much info as possible to guide your surgery.

Hope all goes well.

Rah2464

I agree with the other posters. Your surgical team is being careful to gather as much information as possible to ensure you have a successful outcome. The MRI will show more detail but the only thing that gives you complete information is the pathology result from your surgery. My cancer did not show up in mammography or ultrasound and the final size was much smaller than anticipated based on the MRI results. I was however one of the 20% or so who was "upgraded" from DCIS to IDC.

Wishing you all the best.

LivinLife

My diagnostic mammogram showed 2.5 cm at largest dimension of DCIS. They took out 1.5 cm on biopsy showing Grade 3 with comedo necrosis. The later MRI showed a 4.9 cm area with DCIS along with other things they were not able to diagnose. A biopsy was recommended based on that though I was having a BMX so did not undergo the biopsy. Final pathology report showed 1.2 cm of DCIS Grade 3 with comedo necrosis with lobular involvement and micropapillary and cribiform type, along with ADH, indraductal papilloma, sclerosing .....radial scars, fibroadenomas and other things I cannot recall. It was a mess in there and neither the diagnostic mammogram nor the MRi picked up on these other things, tho the MRI could tell something else was there...

Ingerp

Just a heads up that my BS warned me that MRIs "light up everything". They have something like a 30% false positive rate. It's good to take that close look but don't freak out if they think they find something new/different.

FlagMama

Hi momof5a, I was dx with invasive ductal carcinoma 3 weeks ago. Ultra sound measurement was 1 cm, so lumpectomy and radiation was my first plan

of action. MRI then showed the tumor is actually 3 cm long, so now I'm on Arimidex hormone therapy to maybe shrink the tumor for a better

surgical outcome. But I actually think my surgeon is recommending mastectomy now due to my size B girls.

Each test seems to refine, or dramatically change treatment options and recommendations. I have found it scary and frustrating, since I've read

one of our biggest needs is to have a firm plan, research it, and proceed.

Know that you are not alone! Research the options, ask questions, take good care of yourself! I prayed for your MRI tomorrow and for the whole course

of this journey.

Blessings, Laura