What test is used to see brain mets?

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Honeybee68
Honeybee68 Member Posts: 34
edited June 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

A CT scan showed I have two liver mets. I am doing s bone scan tomorrow. Will the bone scan show whether there are brain mets? Or do I need a brain MRI? What is the best test to see if there are brain mets

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  • Goodie16
    Goodie16 Member Posts: 446
    edited June 2018

    You need a brain MRI. I'd also recommend adding a neuro onc to your team, if there is suspicion of brain mets. My MO jokes that he scans/treats me from the eyebrows down and anything above that is the neuro onc's job.

    Good luck to you!

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited June 2018

    Yes, as above a brain MRI will show any lesions. You may have to fight for approval if you don’t have headache, blurred vision, etc. The MRI itself is easy, FYI. Good luck 🙂

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  • Honeybee68
    Honeybee68 Member Posts: 34
    edited June 2018

    So should I be pushing my MO to also do a brain MRI? I have the two liver mets (biopsy confirmed). I do not have any symptoms like headache, dizziness, vision issues, etc. But I also have no liver symptoms either

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  • Goodie16
    Goodie16 Member Posts: 446
    edited June 2018

    My MO ordered a brain MRI as part of my initial work up. I had a full body PET, bone scan, and brain MRI before I had my mastectomy. We didn't have any problems getting the tests approved, but each state and insurance company is different.

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  • Tina2
    Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943
    edited June 2018

    Honeybee,

    In all the years since I was diagnosed, I've never had an brain MRI. I've never had symptoms to warrant it.

    Have you been diagnosed recently? If you complete a signature (diagnoses, treatments, etc.), we might be able to be of more help.

    Tina




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  • Honeybee68
    Honeybee68 Member Posts: 34
    edited June 2018

    Thank you for the suggestion regarding a signature. I thought I had one but I needed to change a setting.

    Since I was just diagnosed, I dont have a treatment plan yet. I will be going to Mayo in a few weeks. I am still getting tests and I am concerned about whether I am getting the right ones.

    I am getting a bone scan today. But wondering if I also need a head to toe PET scan and brain MRi just because of the liver mets.

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited June 2018

    Honeybee, without symptoms you don't need a brain MRI. I didn't have one for a long time. I had one last year because I was on a clinical trial and was having trouble with my eyes. The nurse freaked out and ordered a Head MRI. My onc rolled his eyes but went along with it. [needless to say it was negative] I just needed new glasses, LOL.

    Welcome to the club no one wants to join! Wishing you the very best of the luck and success with all your treatments.


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