DCIS Gr3 - diagnosed, MRI next - is this typical?

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MCbeach
MCbeach Member Posts: 110
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed


Hi. Very new to all this, as I was diagnosed on Friday w DCIS gr 3 after a steriotatic (sp?) biopsy. I got the news over the phone so I am still missing a lot of the information about my path. I have an MRI scheduled for next week then I need to meet a surgeon. Is having an MRI after DCIS dx normal? Unfortunatly I waited 6 months between my 1st bad mamo and my 2nd so I am nervous about what is going on.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2013


    The MRI is to see the extent of the area. I even had one between stereotactic and excisional biopsy because she wanted to make sure there was nothing else going on. It gives the surgeon a better idea of what your options are and if it looks like a single small area or a larger multifocal one.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2013


    Also, don't beat yourself up on the wait. Six months likely makes very little difference. Most cancer is there for years before it is even detectable.

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  • Kd6blk
    Kd6blk Member Posts: 114
    edited October 2013


    Maybe they just want to see if they got it all. Can't hurt.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2013


    Hi MCbeach, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry you have to be here... but glad that you found us!


    Sometimes MRI is needed to point the exact location of the tumor before surgery. You can read more in the Breastcancer.org article Treatment for DCIS.


    Hope this helps. Please, keep us posted.


    The Mods

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  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited October 2013
    My surgeon ordered an MRI after a stereotactic biopsy found DCIS to make sure he or the mammogram didn't miss anything in my supposed 'clean' breast. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the MRI picked up a mess that the mammo missed. According to my surgeon, the MRI might have saved my life. The LIC was not visible on the mammo or palpable at this point.
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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited October 2013


    It's standard to get an MRI. They need to determine, as well as possible, the extent of disease as well as whether there might be invasive disease present. If they find something, it might even involve an additional biopsy. It also helps determine whether lumpectomy or possibly mastectomy is necessary (if disease is multifocal or multicentric). Although not every facility seems to do it (based on posts on these boards), it's a really good thing. Best of luck to you.

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  • sandcastle
    sandcastle Member Posts: 587
    edited October 2013


    I, Myself had a excisional biopsy then the MRI.....I think you are in GOOD hands.....Liz

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited October 2013


    I also had an MRI two days after the stereotactic breast biopsy found DCIS (stage 2, in two areas, largest tumor 1.8 cm) in my right breast. The MRI was done with contrast and on both breasts. It's supposed to help locate any other areas of concern, but it missed the LCIS in my left breast. Thanks goodness I decided on a double mastectomy!

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited October 2013


    I think it's great that you are getting an MRI before surgery. It will increase the chances of getting it all and getting clear margins. The MRI can be tedious. See if they let you bring some music that you find relaxing. Best wishes!

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  • MCbeach
    MCbeach Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2013


    Thanks so much everyone! All the comments are much appreciated from nervous & newly diagnosed.

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  • MCbeach
    MCbeach Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2013


    Had the MRI. Apparently both breasts completely lit up they think bc of my menstrual cycle. Radiologist thought that was good news and mention she couldn't even see the DCIS??? But it was all over in the pathology?? WTF? That sounds like a waste of a test and bad news to me. What do u guys think? I am anxiously waiting my meeting w my PS to get the scoop.

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  • krissy42
    krissy42 Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2013

    MCbeach, I also had DCIS grade 3 (high grade). The discovery started with a mammogram that showed calcium deposits. If I wasn't on a yearly breast MRI schedule,they would have ruled the calcifications as harmless. When iI went in for MRI, the radiologist told my breast specialist the whole breast lit up like a Christmas tree.  I then had a MRI wire guided biopsy that pathollgy revealed non invasive DCIS Grade 3. Breast specialist wanted more info so did a biopsy/ lumpectomy. My case revealed multifocal high grade DCIS. Thank goodness for the MRI because they caught it in time because it did NOT invade my lymph nodes! 

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  • MCbeach
    MCbeach Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2013


    Hi Krissy-


    Was your DCIS extensive? I also had calc on a mammo. My biopsy said dcis at calc site and outside if that too. The radiologist made it sound like good news that everything lit up. I think that sounds bad. I have no idea how large the dcis is, only that it us gr 3 w necrosis. The waiting to see my BS is hard.

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