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
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.
How old are you Moomincorn ? BreastScreen NSW now HAS to advise you of your breast density at your first (or subsequent visit once they changed the rules) ... If you have the screening done privately - I am not sure of the rules.
EVERY woman NEEDS to know that their breast density may prevent an accurate Breast Cancer Diagnosis being made. I'd had a 'clear' BreastScreen NSW mammogram just months before my GP FOUND my breast cancer as a lump on a 'routine check'. She was RIGHT - they were WRONG.
Altho 'available' from age 40, they do not actively advertise it. :(
Sadly, their 'poster girl' Jane McGrath was actually diagnosed in her early 30s and had passed away from Mets in her early 40s ( so wouldn't have been covered by BreastScreening) .... but this was the trigger to start the McGrath Breast Cancer Nurses, that continues to today, that has helped SO many.
If you don't have access to a Breast Care Nurse - check this website out & make contact for future activity xx. They will be able to explain your pathology to you xxhttps://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse/
arpie I'm 46 so my GP sent me to an imaging place because I felt a small lump (which in hindsight might have been a cyst sitting next to the tumour).
The imaging place had given me the name of a Breast Care Nurse in their town and then the surgeon gave me a card for a Breast Care Nurse in his town so I contacted his recommendation.
I've spoken to my Breast Care Nurse a few times and finally met her today. She has a wonderful amount of knowledge. We discussed breast density and she will chase up the imaging place or help me get that information somehow else so that we have it for the future.