MRI

[Max1990]

I had Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma in the right breast 7 yrs. ago (2 cm., hormone neg., neg. lymph nodes). I had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I've had three excisional biopsies of Fibroadenomas in the Left breast. I had Mammo. in March '08 - no findings. I was sent for my first MRI last week, told there were indiscriminate finds, had Ultrasound this week, they found several "suspicious" lobular findings, biopsied 2 (both less than 1cm). One appeared to be a cyst as it disappeared after core samples were taken, the other came back from pathology as benign adenoma. My Oncologist now says I should have MRI assisted biopsy( suggested by the MRI Radiologist). My question is why? The MRI, which is a new test that results in many false-postitives, needed to be confirmed by the Ultrasound. Why go back to the MRI and do multiple samples? I'm inclined to get second and third opinions. Please advise.
  

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The statement that an MRI that needed to be confirmed with an ultrasound may not be accurate.  I think the main reason your doctor requested an ultrasound is to facilitate biopsy of the suspicious nodules which is less costly than doing an MRI guided biopsy.  However, ultrasound has a lower resolution and operator dependent, which may be the reason why your doctor thinks that not all of the lesions were sampled adequately.  I agree with you that you may consult with others for second opinion, and discuss the possibilities that I mentioned.  I hope you and your doctors can find a resolution to this as I can understand the anxiety.  Regards and God bless.