Focal Dural thickening on spine MRI. Is it mets?

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toomuch
toomuch Member Posts: 901
edited November 2018 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I had a lumbar spine MRI for acute back pain and left leg weakness. The MRI shows a disc fragment sitting on my nerve root at L3 which is causing my current problems. However, there is also mention of focal dural thickening and enhancement at L1 and L2 which is of indeterminate etiology. The lesion at L1 can be seen on an outside lumbar MRI that was done in Febuary, 2018 but no one mentioned it then. They state that they can't evaluate the lesion at L2 on the Feb MRI because of technical differences. Now they recommend short term interval follow-up imaging.

The neurosurgeon called me with this report in the morning 2 days ago. I immediately called and sent an email to my MO to ask what we need to do. I know you can relate...it's been 2 long days and no call back. Of course, I couldn't stay away from Dr. Google and that keeps pointing to BC mets. I had ILC and it's insidious, often causing thickening rather than a mass so yes, I'm freaking out!

Has anyone had this finding on a spine MRI? I really just need someone to hold my hand right now.

Thanks for listening.

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  • JoE777
    JoE777 Member Posts: 628
    edited October 2018

    No one suggested a biopsy

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited October 2018

    The neurosurgeon (who is a neurosurgical oncologist) essentially said, I'm calling your oncologist. He will determine what follow-up you need. And my MO hasn't called me back! I can't tell from the report if the thickening is easily accessible for biopsy. I'm really unhappy that I haven't heard from my oncologist. I said in my email that I was anxious and I would think that within 2 days he could call me back!

    How long does it take for your MO to respond to you?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2018

    Hi toomuch.

    I hear you!

    I just popped in to tell you I am right here and holding your hand. You can have someone 24/7 as we have perpetual daylight in this waiting room. (I am in Australia) also handy for those who can't sleep in Canada or the U.S. due to pain or anxiety. I hope you hear soon and that a PET scan to clarify..and or biopsy follow soon so you get some clear answers. Will keep you in my prayers.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited October 2018

    The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Call your oncologist's office every day until you get a return call.

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited October 2018

    I still see my breast surgeon once a year and I had my routine follow-up with her this week. She ordered a PET/CT. I'm not sure if it's indicated but I've had no screening tests and I need this one for peace of mind...or not.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2018

    Good to hear toomuch.

    Thinking of you

    Let us know how it goes.

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited November 2018

    PET results in. My spine was clear.There was some diffuse uptake in my colon. I did a lot of research and the studies showed no cancer with diffuse uptake, only focal uptake. And I have ulcerative colitis so I'm pretty sure that's the culprit. I already had a colonoscopy scheduled for next week so I'll have biopsy results soon enough.

    Thanks for checking in on me!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2018

    I am so pleased for you.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2018

    Great news!

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