Forum Discussion
Lispy
9 years agoMember
Did you have an MRI?
just wondering how common it is to have an MRI when diagnosed with breast cancer.
Are there any any rules about when it is/isn't appropriate?
seems like most people have one?
thanks for your feedback!
Are there any any rules about when it is/isn't appropriate?
seems like most people have one?
thanks for your feedback!
15 Replies
- Brenda5MemberI ended up with 2 ct scans as the specialist wanted the imaging on the hospital system rather than a private report. The second ct 18 days from the first gave me an allergic reaction of hives for which the surgeon never offered any apology or explanation. The head of hospital pharmacy said he put it on my file, the reaction, as a second one could be much more severe as its accumulative.
- Michelle_RMemberLispy, I was diagnosed with mammogram/ultrasound (it didn't show up at all on the mammogram) followed by 2 core biopsies.
Before chemo my Oncologist ordered CT scans of head, chest, abdomen and pelvis. I also had a nuclear bone scan before starting chemo.
I asked about an MRI as a possible follow-up but neither he nor my GP liked the idea - too much radiation and too many possible false positives which would cause anxiety.
I will only be given an MRI if I exhibit symptoms. (I am in Qld too, on the Gold Coast.) - ShareMember
P.S. Sorry, I meant to add that I was not out of pocket (and generally most patients should not be) if your MRI is requested by a specialist/surgeon.
If your GP orders one, then yes, you have to pay and will be out of pocket however not if the referral is from a specialist.
- ShareMember
I had an MRI only after secondary bc diagnosis following a bone scan to check for any further spread.
However, initial bc diagnosis was always via mammogram and ultrasound.
- adeanMemberMRI and cat scan before surgery to sée if was any where else.
- melclarityMemberHi Lispy! I have to concur with Socoda! It is more prevalent in the U.S. MRI's as I have friends there. Ive had Breast Cancer twice and both times had Mammo, Ultrasound, core biopsies, needle biopsies, lumpectomies. Never had an MRI, it is not general to do so. I did however after my last diagnosis have all the body scans to check and was all clear.
- LispyMemberthanks socoda! I will look into that (I'm in Brisbane).
Since my latest health concern I've been thinking about testing a lot - regretting the reconstruction and the long wait to see if it has spread. - socodaMemberHi Lispy, I also did not have an MRI. Was diagnosed with mammagram, ultrasound, core biopsy and fine needle biopsy. I have however read about a new type of imaging called Molecular Breast Imaging that is becoming more popular in America. http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/84699#Comment_84699 (or just go to the home link and type molecular into the search bar). Molecular breast imaging is suitable for implants. Xx Cath
- MiraMemberI haven't had one (none was offered or suggested). The hospital hasn't actually done any tests since my lumpectomy almost 2 years ago other than the mammogram and ultrasounds.
- KatyJoyMemberI had mri because the surgeon thought my tumour was bigger than what showed on mammogram and ultrasound. I was only the second patient to have one on the new machine at my hospital and was charged $618 and this was not covered by Medicare but decided to do it as my surgeon felt it would be beneficial. I think it is becoming more common for women with dense breast tissue like me. My tumour was thought to be 3cm on ultrasound/mammogram, but was thought to be 9cm on mri. The breast care nurses seemed very surprised that I had had an Mri. I got the impression it was very unusual.