A question about follow-up MRI for clip placement
Has anyone had a breast MRI for clip placement? Do they do the full MRI with IV contrast or is it abbreviated—e.g. no contrast—and only check to see if the clip is in the correct place? My doctor has already sent in the requisition for a post biopsy MRI to confirm clip placement, but I have a new palpable lump that isn't near where the biopsy clip was placed that I'm concerned about. I'm hoping they do the full MRI with contrast, so this new lump can be assessed. I first noticed it about two months ago and since then, it has gotten bigger.
I have extremely dense breasts. My screening mammogram didn't find the suspicious nodule that was detected on screening MRI back in September, so I worry a diagnostic mammogram would have the same problem with this new lump.
I'm worried again. I'd really appreciate hearing what others' experiences have been. Thanks!
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Have you contacted your doctor about the new palpable lump? The details of imaging orders can be updated after they are scheduled. I have surveillance MRIs and never know whether contrast has been ordered until I’m on the gurney. If the purpose of the MRI should be twofold your doctor needs to be aware of this. I hope the results are good.
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Hi maggie15,
I mentioned the lump to my GP back in Nov. before the biopsy. It was a telephone appointment, so she wasn't able to check it. At the time, I was under the impression this was the area that was going to be biopsied and that the nodule noted on the MRI had simply gotten big enough to be palpated.
I made an appointment to see her in the office after the biopsy when I realized the biopsy site wasn't even close to where the new lump is located. I see her today. It's a big relief knowing the requisition can be updated to include the lump. Thanks so much!
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Hi Barbara, I'm glad you are seeing your doctor today. You don't want to go through all of this and come away with partial answers. I hope your appointment goes well.
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Hi maggie15,
My GP feels it might just be a lymph node, but did agree to update the MRI requisition to include the new lump, so I'm hopeful the MRI, when it's done, will include IV contrast. Ultimately, it's up to the radiologist at the hospital who will decide the priority, contrast, etc.
Unfortunately, I found out at the visit that my GP is retiring at the end of April next year. There is an acute shortage of family doctors and nurse practitioners here in British Columbia and across Canada. When my previous GP retired in 2016, it took me two years to find a new one. So, I'm crossing all my fingers (and toes) that everything checks out with the MRI because I can't imagine learning I have cancer and don't have doctor to see me through it.
Thanks again for your kind words and advice!!
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