Mammogram vs MRI?

Public Archive
1

Mammogram vs MRI?

2

Mammogram vs MRI? I wonder if some of you could give me some advice on this please…

I’ve been informed that the hospital will be contacting me soon, for my ‘1 year post diagnosis mammogram’.

I’m 30, and I know mammograms tend not to be as reliable for younger people.
When they contact me, I intend to ask about the possibility of an MRI, instead.

As far as I know, the majority of hospitals in the UK only offer mammograms. I have a feeling they’re going to refuse to give me an MRI.
If they do refuse, I’m prepared to pay for it myself, if it’s going to have a better chance of picking up any abnormalities, than a mammogram would.

I could do with a little guidance on this, so I’m armed with some information and knowledge, to face the medical folks with.
I’d really appreciate any help, advice and info, anyone may be able to give me.

Thanks,
Dee :o)

3

mamo vs mri Hi there,

I too had my first annual check earlier this year - I too questioned why give me a mamogram when my large tumour didnt even show up on it - I refused a mamogram and asked for a MRI - under the NHS I wouldnt be allowed to have it done - another funding issue - but I am lucky as I am covered under Private Medical Insurance so I was given an MRI - I like you would have paid for it if need be.

Good luck

Jo

4

Thanks Jojo :o)

I don’t suppose you know how much it would have cost, had you had to pay for the MRI yourself?

Also, did you have an MRI on just the ‘boob area’, or did you have a full body MRI?

Thanks :o)
Dee
xxx

5

MRI vs Mammogram Hi Dee,

I am older than you (47) but had the same concern about mammograms as I had two core biopsies and a WLE before I was diagnosed last year as the first mammogram did not show anything as I was told I had very dense breast tissue due to being pre-menopausal.

I had my first screening mammo, post diagnosis in January this year, which I was told was clear but I wasn’t confident that this was enough, so I mentioned it to my breast care nurse who spoke to the radiologist who carried out the first mammo in Jan 05. Fortunately she agreed that I should have an MRI as a safeguard, which I had in May and got the results 2 weeks ago, which thankfully showed no evidence of disease, just scar tissue from surgery and radiotherapy, so my advice to you is definitely push for an MRI, maybe get your breast care nurse to look into the possibility.

Good luck
Soapsuds

6

Thank you Soapsuds! :o)

I’m seeing my bc nurse next week, and this is on the list of things I want to talk to her about.
She isn’t my ‘regular’ bc nurse (unfortunately, my regular one is off sick indefinitely), so this is one I’ve never spoken to before, and who wasn’t there through my diagnosis, treatment, etc.

I am going to push for an MRI. I just don’t feel happy about having only a mammogram.

Thanks again :o)

Dee
xxx

7

Mammo v MRI I had Invasive Lobular which didn’t show up on the mammogram (they found a microcalcification so I was really lucky). I had an MRI before my mastectomy and afterwards, I asked my surgeon whether I should be having MRIs rather than mammograms as my previous lesions hadn’ t shown up and weren’t palpable.

He said that the problem with MRIs is that they don’t show up Carcinoma in Situ so he thinks that it’s better to stick with the regular mammogram, plus regular checks. I’m very lucky that I’m getting this done through BUPA so cost is not the issue here, clinical effectiveness seems to be.

Personally, I’d have every diagnostic test going!!

Hope this helps.

Love
Anne
xx