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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Breast MRI due to family history/dense breasts
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Breast MRI due to family history/dense breasts
by sadierama, Apr 29, 2008 01:28PM
I was referred to a breast specialist due to lump in my left breast, which turned out to be fat necrosis. The specialist recommends an MRI due to 1) dense breasts (she claims that she can't tell anything from my digital mammogram) and 2) family history (my sister was diagnosed with "in situ" breast cancer and had a lumpectomy about 5 years ago); my grandmother had breast cancer in the mid 1960s. My radiologist's note, which accompanied the mammogram films I took to the specialist, said that I "might consider" an MRI.
I would have to pay $1500 for the MRI.
Should I have the procedure done? I am 49 years old.
I would have to pay $1500 for the MRI.
Should I have the procedure done? I am 49 years old.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Apr 29, 2008 03:04PM
, Apr 29, 2008 03:04PM
Dear sadierama: MRI’s are often recommended for women who are identified to be at high risk of breast cancer. The challenge with MRI is that it is highly sensitive and has a high incidence of false positive results which may lead to unnecessary biopsy. Therefore, MRI should be done along with mammogram, ultrasound and clinical breast examination. You might check with your insurance company to determine under what conditions they may cover the cost of MRI. Ultimately, it is your decision. If you are on the fence, you could always get a second opinion from another breast specialist to see if there is agreement to this approach. It may also help your case with the insurance company.
