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Breast Cancer and MRI scans

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Guest
Guest

My daughter, who is in her mid 40s, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and has had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. However, a close relative had breast cancer some years ago and now has secondaries in liver and lungs and is having chemotherapy again. I would like to find out about MRI scans to pick up secondaries at an early stage (I believe they are called Hot Spots). I realise MRIs are not offered on the NHS but we feel it would be helpful and wonder why they are not done on a regular basis. Surely it would be cheaper for the NHS to do this than deal with the treatment costs of advanced secondaries. At the moment we do not know if these would be helpful and if so how often it should be done or how much it will cost. Hope someone can advise.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi there worrying mother

    I bet you are beside yourself with worry. I'm so very sorry to hear of your daughter's illness. Here is to a speedy and successful recovery.

    I wish I could help you more but I do have a link for you that I sincerely hope is of use for you.

    (Click Here)

    Take care and stay strong.

    Melbi x

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Thank you for your good wishes. If I hear anything further on this subject I will write again.
  • ONP_Hospital
    ONP_Hospital Guest

    Posted

    Breast MRI scan

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    A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and surrounding tissue. It does not use radiation (x-rays).

    A breast MRI may be done in combination with mammography or ultrasound. But it is not a replacement for mammography.

    MRI provides detailed pictures of the breast. It also provides clear pictures of parts of the breast that are difficult to see clearly on an ultrasound or mammogram.

    Breast MRI may also be performed to:

        Check for more cancer in the same breast or the other breast after breast cancer has been diagnosed

        Distinguish between scar tissue and tumors in the breast

        Evaluate a breast lump (usually after biopsy)

        Evaluate an abnormal result on a mammogram or breast ultrasound

        Evaluate for possible rupture of breast implants

        Find any cancer that remains after surgery or chemotherapy

        Guide a biopsy (rare)

        Screen for cancer in women at very high risk for breast cancer (such as those with a strong family history)

        Screen for cancer in women with very dense breast tissue

    An MRI of the breast can also show:

        Blood flow through the breast area

        Blood vessels in the breast area

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