Best time during cycle to schedule a mammogram

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hellokitty1977
hellokitty1977 Member Posts: 7
edited July 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I have a 3D mammogram (tomosynthesisi) scheduled for the 30th, I read that the best time to schedule one is 10 days after the onset of menses. Now I am wondering if that is too long to wait. Does anyone know what is the best time in a cycle to get one? I am now on cycle day 19.

thank you

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited October 2019

    hellokitty1977

    Here is that information but it really applies to screening mammograms i.e. for patients who have no symptoms and scheduling is not an issue.

    If you have a lump or other worrisome symptoms don't wait.

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  • hellokitty1977
    hellokitty1977 Member Posts: 7
    edited October 2019

    thank you djmammo! Yes my mammogram will be diagnostic because of the tenderness I have been experiencing in my left breast. My only concern is if I go next week so cycle day 20-28 when breasts are fuller and denser this might be the reason for afalse positive or negative or cause the mammogram to be inconclusive and would have to repeat it (and get double radiation). Is this possible?

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited October 2019

    hellokitty1977

    If never felt that the timing of a mammogram has ever been a problem as far as my interpretation was concerned but there are some weeks that are less sensitive to pressure as far as patient comfort is concerned. I dont remember ever checking the LMP when reading a mammogram. It is very important however when it comes to Breast MRI. Ultrasound is essentially unaffected by hormonal changes.

    If there is a lump, the US usually solves the problem. If there is focal tenderness where the patient can point to the pain with one finger, ultrasound can occasionally find the cause. If the pain is diffuse, and the patient just waves her hand over the breast to indicate where the pain is, US usually does not find the cause. If its diffuse and bilateral an US will probably not be offered.



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  • hellokitty1977
    hellokitty1977 Member Posts: 7
    edited October 2019

    djmammo thank you so much! I have an appointment on Monday with a new obgyn and will address all these issues. The thing is there is no lump,no bump just a pulling sensation and heaviness so Dr. Google says IBC and I am losing my mind. Today I noticed a small red spot like a pimple on the bottom of the breast and started freaking out more. So my understanding is that for IBC mammograms are notorious for missing it, ultrasounds are better and MRI is best and a punch biopsy can confirm it. If I am wrong please correct me. What part of the cycle is better for the breast MRI? Can a breast MRI be done without the contrast? Please excuse my questions I have been through a lot the past few months first my beloved father’s death, then a endometrial cancer scare which was negative thank God and now this. Emotionally I haven’t been worse. I want to thank you for posting on this forum and helping the wonderful ladies in the forum

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited October 2019

    hellokitty1977

    Just a pulling sensation and heaviness so Dr. Google says IBC

    Google says everything is IBC, most times it isn't.

    So my understanding is that for IBC mammograms are notorious for missing it,

    Another Google misconception. Besides IBC is obvious on physical exam.

    Today I noticed a small red spot like a pimple on the bottom of the breast and started freaking out more

    Sometimes a pimple is just a pimple

    Can a breast MRI be done without the contrast?

    Never. Worthless without contrast.

    I have an appointment on Monday with a new obgyn

    Ask for something for anxiety.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2019

    Great answers djmammo! Thank you. hellokitty1977, just one day at a time. We're here for you

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  • hellokitty1977
    hellokitty1977 Member Posts: 7
    edited October 2019

    thank you djmammo yes I have thought about the anti anxiety medication too it might even help with the pain if it is stress related, will do the u/ s and mammo sooner and ask for a biopsy of the red spot just for peace of mind.

    Moderators thank you for the help and the forum

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  • Aya0827
    Aya0827 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2020

    @djmammo - hello, I was wondering if you could clarify "I dont remember ever checking the LMP when reading a mammogram. It is very important however when it comes to Breast MRI."

    I have a breast lump (tender on the week 3 and 4 of my cycle) that is being followed on a 6 month watch because it was unseen on the 3 imaging I got done back in March (Mammo, US and MRI with and without contrast); I have cosmetic breast implants; is there a possibility the MRI might have missed something because of where I was at in my cycle?

    Thanks so so much!!

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