complex cysts, 6mo follow-up. Push for MRI?

Arielmc

Hi there,

Today i went in for aI went in today for diagnostic follow-up after 3d mammo showed new asymetries. It took a long long time w/new 3d and US.

In the end they told me i had many cysts and some complex cysts that i should come back to get checked in 6 months. I guess this is good news, but it wasn't quiet as clean as i wanted. I saw i the non-circular black US w/stuff inside- the complex cysts and said asked if the MD was concerned but she said the fact that i had many cysts made it less concerning that some were complex. Does that sound right?

i asked if i should insist on an MRI or biopsy and the MD said i should probably ask for an MRI based on my % of lifetime development being 18% (mom Ashkenazi jewish, catholic aunt had BC) but would have to tell my primary care physician to order it. It was a friday at 4pm and i hope this is a sane next step - wait for 6 months or fight for MRI. I have 2 palpable masses. Apparently the complex cysts are below them - the lumps are not the complex ones. I'm 48 and had 1 biopsy a few years ago that was just complex cyst stuff.

Moderators

Hi Arielmc,

Just stopping in to "bump" your post in the hopes it will get some views and and answers from our amazing members. We hope this helps!

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Arielmc

Thank you!

LivinLife

Arielmc it makes sense to me to get an MRI - I don't know that I would "fight" for it... if your PCP believes that is a next step that makes sense then absolutely go for it - make sure to stress you are higher risk given your Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry... If your PCP really believes the 6 months wait is ok then do what you can to trust that - 6 months goes by quickly and is not too long of a time if something is medically justified for monitoring. We'll see if anyone else responds too...

Salamandra

I think you should ask your MD for a referral to an oncologist or gynecologist that has specialty/experience and is willing to work with high risk patients.

MRIs have a very high rate of false positives leading to stress and biopsies. You need advice from someone who really knows what they're doing and can weigh in on the risk/benefit ratio for you personally.

Arielmc

Thank you so so much for these replies! I didn't realize there is a high false positive rate and i deeply appreciate that i should ask for a referral because my PCP is great, but is not quiet in the situation to help.

Tiger98

I am in the 6 month wait for a complex cyst, like you are (well mine is probable). I do not have the family history that you do though. I wanted to push for further testing but I was told that nothing would be paid for since it was rated BIRADS 3. Some days 6 months seems forever, other times its passing quickly. Good luck to you!!

Arielmc

I've been referred to take an MRI next cycle by the on-call physician and saw the final report. I'll post about it. The report said based on family history and 18% lifetime risk MRI suggested.

There were 17 findings - mostly cysts and asymetry - that said "beign"

The 2 that said 'probably benign' are:

• several complicated cysts, the largest 5mm

• cluster of microcysts measuring 18mm

Salamandra

I hope everything goes well and is well, and you just end up with a helpful baseline!