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Explanation of Imaging Terms

Explanation of Imaging Terms

I need some clarification and opinion of terms used in the MRI and Ultrasound reports.   Am scheduled for excisional biopsy in two weeks, and would like explanation of the capitalized words (my caps)
MRI is done due to previous DCIS in right breast 8 years ago, and very dense breast tissue. I am 65. Problem is in left breast
  I read that rapid washout denotes malignancy.
**MRI--"small, WELL CIRCUMSCRIBED area ..MODERATELY INTENSE pathologic enhancement and RAPID WASHOUT..approx 6mmm...suggestive of malignancy"
**U/S- ( It took two U/S to locate it..its near the underside of the breast) "5mm NONSHADOWING HYPERECHOIC nodule in 9 oclock position...nodule demonstrates U/S characteristics INDETERMINANT for malignancy".
Any help and/or opinions would be appreciated.
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Avatar_n_tn
Dear ms kitty:  Well circumscribed means that  the borders of the abdomality can be well visualized.  Moderately intense refers to the "color" of the image compared to the other tissue.  Rapid washout means that the contrast dye leaves very quickly from the area of suspicion, indicating increased blood vessel content, which may be an indication for increased blood flow.  Increased blood flow is a characteristic of tumors.

An ultrasound is best at determining whether an image is solid or cystic (fluid filled).  Non shadowing hyperechoic means that the image appears more solid than cystic.  However, indeterminant means that these images cannot further define whether the abnormality looks suspicious or not.  

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Avatar_n_tn
Thank you for your response. Is there anything in the two reports that doesn't suggest malignancy??It all seems to point to it. Also, can MRI and U/S see within the duct to a possible DCIS??(as opposed to an invasive tumor?)
Thanks for an additional reply.
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