Ultrasound vs. MRI

Mrsb6
Mrsb6 Member Posts: 3
edited July 2021 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I had a normal mammogram in Dec. 2020. Since I am high risk, 25% (I'm 60 and about 87lbs overweight, no breast cancer in family),

my doc recommended an MRI. I am highly claustrophobic and have only been able to complete one closed MRI 15 years ago for my back. Since the closed MRI, I have done only Open MRI's for neck and knees. I spoke with a nurse ( I'm finally taking care of this) and she said I can do an ultrasound instead which the doctor had also mentioned to me because of my phobia and then they could take it from there.

I asked what "take it from there" meant.. And from what I understood if there's a problem with the ultrasound I may have to do the mri anyway.

Part of me feels like I'm being ridiculous and I should just do the MRI and know that I'm getting

the most thorough test. In any case, I read that women can get false positives Is in either an ultrasound or MRI. I had 2 biopsies some years back which turned out to be nothing, they just said they were atypical cells.

Has anyone had an ultrasound in Lieu of an MRI? What was your experience? Also, I have blue cross/blue shield are these tests covered by insurance?🤔😒

Mrsb6

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Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2021

    Hi Mrsb6 and welcome to Breastcancer.org.

    We're so sorry for the worries that bring you here, but we're sure you'll get some great support from our amazing members here.

    Have you asked your doctor if they could potentially give you a sedative before the closed MRI? That may help take the edge off.

    Please let us know how you make out!

    --The Mods

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  • Mrsb6
    Mrsb6 Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2021

    Thanks for your welcoming response. I have taken xanax in the past and it hasn't helped. Do you mean anesthesia? I think that is too drastic, but I would love it and don't know if it would be covered by insurance, but I hear they do it.

    I'm really trying to find out if anyone has been through this and If I should do the ultrasound or just do the mri. I'm trying to work through the anxiety, sometimes I feel like OK I can do it and other times I start hyperventilating. But if it comes down to life-and-death which it could be.... I should have the best test possible And if that's the mri then I need to do it.



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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited July 2021

    Most centers now will also play music of your choice to help with the noise of the machine. For me I helps closing my eyes. I have had to do several now for other things and not just just breast cancer and the music and the eye closing helps a lot. I know it seems like it lasts a long time but it really does not. If t can get better idea for you for your treatment it will help with your outcome. Best wishes to you/

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited July 2021

    Mrsb6,

    With a breast MRI you go into the tube face down, lying on your stomach. Because of that, I think breast MRIs are easier to get through. I'm claustrophobic, but I tell myself I'm lying on a massage table (the position you are lying in is pretty much the same) and I keep my eyes closed. I think it's a very different experience than lying on your back, able to see how tight the tube is. I would be terrified of that, but I've had lots of breast MRIs with no problem.

    So if you do need the MRI, or just decide to go for it, there is a good chance you'll find you are okay with it.


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  • sbrons
    sbrons Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2021

    hi

    I actually just had a mammogram and ultrasound. The mammo came back clear but the ultrasound showed something and now I need to have an mri. I have dense breasts but no other risk factors. I am very nervous and also claustrophobic but I am just going to get thru the test. I would do an ultrasound first and if needed an mri. I get ultrasounds every year along with mammo and have never had an issue. I also had covid vaccine in March and my dr thinks that could have caused a swollen lymph node. Will see. Anyhow, I would do the ultrasound first. Good luck!!

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited July 2021

    At the breast center I went to, it was mammogram, then ultrasound, then biopsy. After the cancer was confirmed and I'd met with the surgeon, I was scheduled for the MRI. In some instances, like mine, the surgeon uses the MRI to pinpoint the area needing excision. I'm not claustrophobic, but I hated the MRI because of having so much of my weight resting on my sternum. I wish I'd insisted on more time to get comfortable. If you do the MRI, make sure you get into the most tolerable position you can before letting the technician start.

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  • Veeder14
    Veeder14 Member Posts: 880
    edited July 2021

    Mrsb

    I’m claustrophobic also and while an MRI face down causes so much pain (back, neck, shoulders, rib cage), I’m able to do it. I pretend I’m sleeping in a tent camping out where the top of the tent is low. For part of the MRI I can see the floor, I guess it’s a mirror. I bring my own pieces of memory foam to put on the grid to take some pressure off. Luckily the techs have been cooperative about this.

    If your doctor recommended an MRI then at least you could try it. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to tolerate a closed MRI after being in open ones but just did it after worrying for days. My cancer didn’t show up on mammogram or ultrasound so luckily was offered MRI due to being high risk BRAC2.



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  • Mrsb6
    Mrsb6 Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2021

    Thank you all so much for your responses! What a great group of people you are

    After reading about all of your thoughts and experiencing, I've decided to do the MRI. It seemed that those of you that did the

    ultrasound ultimately had to do an MRI anyway (or I may have to ) so I might as well get it over with. It also sounds like it may be the best test for detecting cancer.

    Thank you for all your tips for getting through the MRI and I will also be taking good ole xanax, hopefully this time around it helps.

    Good Health and peace of mind to you all ❤

    Mrsb6



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