Why do I need an MRI and CT Scan

Hi I have been asked to have an mri, I have been given the choice of lumpectomy or masectomy but if I choose lumpectomy will need to have an mri, mine is grade 2 and non palpable, can I ask how yrs went pls.

Thankyou x

Hi! I found a lump, which was confirmed on ultrasound and with a biopsy and then I had an MRI as this seemed to be more specific than the ultrasound so they knew better what they were dealing with. The ultrasound was not so clear for me and they could see two lump areas, but the MRI confirmed only 1.  And then because the MRI showed a lump of more than 5cm, a CT scan was routine to check the whole body for spread,  This completely freaked me out, but thankfully it all came back clear,   Maybe this helps you a little.

Hi irishgirl16

Thank you, mine is non palpable, can feel no lump,  nothing showed on ultrasound, had vacuum biopsy and marker put in, I am presuming this is because it's a small area, was there much difference in size from ultrasound to mri pls.

Thank you x

My ultrasound showed 2 lumps, about 2cm each, and they initially were not sure if it was ductal or lobular.  The MRI was much clearer and confirmed it as one area.  By the way, my 2nd MRI, after 2 cycles of chemo, now shows a lump of only 11mm, so a massive reduction which is a good response to the initial chemo,  I have chemo first, surgery in the summer.

Thankyou, my treatment plan is lumpectomy or masectomy, rads and meds, but if I choose lumpectomy will need a mri, the thought of more tests and waiting has really snowballed me at the min. I am sure I am over the NICE guidelines for waiting time. My bcn has advised me to put chemo in a box at the min and not think about that. I just dont know if I am asking the right questions or not.

Best wishes

Sharon x

Hi. MRI determines size and is more precise. CT will check for spread in body. Once you are in the system which you obviously are I dont think there are any timelines. As long as you were referred and seen within  2 weeks of you finding your lump. You will get results of MRI etc (2 weeks or less) your MDT (team) will discuss your treatment plan then move forwards. Good luck. 

Aww thankyou Forrest1865, I thought there was a guideline from when referral was received to start of treatment. I have been given a plan, lumpectomy or masectomy, rads and meds but if I choose lumpectomy then mri, if this for sizing so they can plan clear margins possibly.

Thank you

Xx

Sounds like you are in good hands. I had mastectomy and when performed they can tell re margins my tumour was removed with good margins so needed no further scan afterwards. Presumably you will be given MRI afterwards to check the tumour has been fully removed before you move onto rads. Hope it all goes well. It is completely doable even chemo if you ever have to have it. Xx

Aww thank you, the support on this group is amazing, it has really helped me, yh mine is non palpable so they do need to know sizing or else I guess if will be like getting operated on blindfolded thank you for your help

xxx

You are welcome. Take care x