Lymph node visibility in imaging
Hello,
I've been reading these forums for a few weeks and finding them very helpful - thank you to all that share their knowledge.
I'm trying to understand more about lymph nodes and imaging.
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Forum Discussion
Hi Moomincorn. I had a similar initial diagnosis as you and during surgery they found a second lump and lymph node involvement and a follow up MRI and more surgery found more. It was a huge shock at the time as I had no idea that some scans don’t show everything - particularly if you have dense breasts. I now have annual MRI scans as we know that mammograms and ultrasounds won’t detect everything in my breasts. I encourage the women around me to ask about their breast density so they can request MRIs or at the least have a conversation with their GP or surgeon about the most suitable scans for them. Talk with your surgeon once you are through your treatment about the best scans / process for surveillance.
Hang in there and always ask questions to clarify anything. It is a confusing, daunting time but you work through it.
Take care x
Minnie18 Thank you for sharing.
And thank you for the nudge to talk to people about my breast density and future imaging.
I had breast density on a list of questions after my lumpectomy but there were so many other questions to squeeze in that I forgot to ask it. I get the impression from what I've read in my pathology that they are somewhat dense but a medical opinion will be helpful.
As for imaging, it's helpful to know that MRI might be better for picking up issues. That will be good for me to discuss with the surgeon, especially if anything else is found in the axillary dissection when the CT scan showed nothing abnormal.
I've added both to my list of future questions!
When you have your mammograms now (depending on what state you are in) they are required to advise you of your breast density, Moomincorn as it is so important on the screening tests actually 'seeing' the cancer. My ILC was missed, as my breasts were very dense. I was in my 60s - so it being a 'younger woman's problem' is total rubbish! An Ultrasound is recommended as well as Mammogram (some have an MRI too) at the same time as the Mammogram ... I have mine late next month. 8 years since the first detection.
I've never had an MRI yet .....
Take care
arpie I didn't know that they need to advise your breast density. Do you know if that's with all mammograms or just the Breast Screen ones?
I haven't been invited to Breast Screen yet and didn't realise until recently, that in NSW at least, I might have been able to go from 40. My ultrasound and mammogram were by referral from my GP.
Looking at my ultrasound and mammogram report I can't find a density or category noted but there are words "heterogenous fibroglandular tissue". Google suggests that means a mix of dense and fatty tissue but mostly dense, category C.
Thank you for helping me understand more.
