"May obscure small masses" - how small is small?

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PurpleCat
PurpleCat Member Posts: 358
edited September 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

I have dense tissue, which "may obscure small masses." My screening still managed to pick up calcifications, which upon followup mammogram and then biopsy proved to be DCIS. I'm currently awaiting MRI to make sure nothing else is going on, and if not, then lumpectomy and we'll go from there.

My question: how small is "small?" I'm trying to feel reassured that after physical exam, 2D mammogram, and then 3D on the left during the biopsy, the ONLY thing that has shown up is those DCIS calcifications. But I'm so uneasy about being blindsided by something new coming up on that MRI, as I know sometimes does happen. My original screening mammo density report said that SMALL masses could be obscured, so I'm hoping that means that bigger ones still would have shown up, and if the MRI DOES pick up something new, it will still be on the small side ... right?

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  • DebAL
    DebAL Member Posts: 877
    edited September 2018

    purple cat, that is the standard phrase for those of us with dense breast tissue. It was on my mammos for years. Yes, my tumor was small and most likely was there for 2-3 years before it finally showed on tomography.

    I hear " but your tumor is small" yes it was but I've learned tumor biology plays a big role

    The MRI will put your mind at ease a little more. The testing and waiting phase is tough and so draining. Try not to let your mind get too far ahead. Best wishes to you.

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  • koshka1
    koshka1 Member Posts: 678
    edited September 2018

    My MRI disclaimer says lesions under 5mm.

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