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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, February 10, 2012
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, February 10, 2012
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Breast Cancer |
Abnormal diag. mammogram, normal ultrasound03/05/2007 |
I am 41 years old. A diagnostic mammogram revealed a small BB size, 5mm nodule. The ultrsound did NOT show anything. Therefore I had a bliateral breast MRI (I have not received results back yet). My question is, why would the nodule not show up on the ultrasound? Also, I hear there are a high rate of false positives with MRI, so why was that recommended? Also, if a biopsy is recommended, how would that be done without the guidance of an ultrasound? (HX-My mom had stage 0 breast cancer at age 52, postmenopausal. TX-lumpectomy and radiation. 17 years later with no reoccurence). Thank you!
It is possible to have vague findings on a mammogram that turn out to be normal breast tissue rather than a "nodule or mass". Usually an ultrasound is done after an abnormality is found on mammogram as was the case with you. If nothing is found on the ultrasound, then the original mammogram finding either represented normal tissue or it is possible that there was a mass which was too small to see on ultrasound. If you doctor remains concerned, then the next step is an MRI. You are correct, MRI does have a higher rate of false positives than mammogram and ultrasound because it is so sensitive - but your doctor doesn't want to miss a cancer especially with your mother's history. Biopsies can be done under MRI guidance if something is found.
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Jean T Stevenson, MD, FACS Associate Professor of Surgery Department of Surgery School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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