why an MRI?

[zouzi]

Can anyone please tell me why an MRI is needed since I am having a biopsy done beforehand? I thought that a biopsy would be the only procedure ti ascertain if the tumor in breast (5mm) is cancerous or not.Your answer will be very appreciated.Thank you.

[rockchalk76]

I was interested in your question, because I was thinking the exact thing.  Supposedly my tumor is 1.5 cm according to the ultrasound.  I am 54 yrs. of age and do not have dense or lumpy breasts.  I just read an article in the Quad City Times Health section that said that women who have MRIs have more mastectomies.  I am also reading the book by Dr. Love called the "Breast Cancer Bible".  She mentioned something that I hadn't previously read, about a mastectomy not really getting every last bit of breast tissue.  She related that there is a area of thought that lumpectomy plus radiation might get more of the cancer cells.  So, I wonder if having an MRI will just cause more upset and whatever they might "see" will be eliminated by the radiation?  Dr. Love also questioned the need for a bone scan on something with Stage 1, node negative tumor.  This is yet another test that my surgeon suggested.  When do you get to say "enough testing?"  Please understand this is coming from an ASCP trained Medical Technologist. - Kay

[zouzi]

thank you doctor.I appreciate very much your response.God Bless.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

MRI usually helps in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions.It is one of the best diagnostic modalities available. It would also help to see for any other lesions nad to rule out any other abnormal findings.

Mammograms are not able to visualise the breast tissue if it is dense as is the case in females less than 40 years of age. Then an ultrasound and MRI is done.

You should go ahead with the MRI if your treating physician advises you to do so.

Let us know what your doctor advises and also post us if you have any doubts.

Regards.