I am at high risk for breast cancer and have yearly MRIs and mammograms. Unfortunately yesterday I got called back from the clinic because my MRI has shown a “subtle change” in the right breast.
I am very concerned.
Only 3.5 weeks ago I had an ultrasound on both breasts due to a lump in the left breast and the radiologist said that my breasts were full of cysts but she didn’t say anything looked worrying.
Would an ultrasound pick up something concerning?
What could a “subtle change” indicate and if cancer was suspected would they write that something is “suspicious”?
Welcome to the forum. I’m so pleased you are being monitored so closely. My family members are now high risk due to my diagnosis and will be eligible from 35 for MRI and mammograms.
A subtle change could mean so many things and I get where your head is at. I found my own lump in April 2023, and was due my second mammogram screening at the same time but it was late due to Covid backlogs. I had odd changes in the same breast the year before and ultrasound diagnosed duct ectasia which is just stretching of the ducts.
I’m not sure the BCN nurses can tell you much more than you already know and hope they answer you soon. It may not be until Monday as they are only open tomorrow between 9-1, if you want to talk to them you may want to call 0808 800 6000 between those times on Saturday. They will be back on Mon between 9-4.
I will keep everything crossed that the subtle change is not something to worry about. Keep us updated.
It’s understandable you are concerned following your recent MRI callback for a subtle change.
As @naughty_boob says there could be many reasons for this. It’s also difficult to say if the clinic would communicate if something was suspicious in writing.
An ultrasound can pick up both benign (not cancer) conditions and an abnormality that may need a biopsy. Ultrasounds don’t always take images of all the breast, sometimes just in and around the area of concern but from what you say it sounds as though the ultrasound you had was quite thorough.
We know waiting for a call back appointment can be a very difficult time. Hopefully you won’t have to wait long for this. In the meantime do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
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