breast cancer and surgery

My aunt is 74 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the tumor is 1.5".  She was sent to an MRI before surgery, she failed the test before MRI because kidney can't take the dye.  Is it risky to have surgery without MRI.  She was told by her doctor the chance is 50/50.  Is there any possibility that the cancer already spreaded because the tumor is pretty big.  What is the rate of survival with elder patient having cancer?  Thank you

[japdip]

Having a Breast MRI before surgery is NOT routine and not really necessary as a part of the surgical treatment. Since your aunt has been diagnosed I'm assuming she had some type of biopsy. You don't mention the type of surgery she is to have ... lumpectomy or mastectomy ... but I see no reason why she wouldn't tolerate the procedure unless her general physical condition is very fragile. The tumor you mention is not what would be considered terribly large .... and I can't imagine why her Dr. would give her a 50/50 chance. Only after the surgery and the testing of a number of lymph nodes will you know if the cancer has spread beyond the area in the breast. Her survival shouldn't be in question ... her treatment after surgery will depend on the Pathology examination of the tissue that is removed as well as any possible lymph node involvement.  Kindest regards ....