breast imaging

red456
red456 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I know there is a wealth of info. out there in the cancer underground. Anyone know of any type of imaging beyond mammogram that can detect DCIS? Mine doesn't show on mammo. Got to find what's going on in that breast before I decide about treatment. Experimental ideas also considered. Many thanks.

Comments

  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #2
    How about the CAD? Computer aided detection, they do a mammo then run it thru a computer. Statistics show it picks up 15-20% more breast cancers than the radiologist reading alone.
    If that doesn't work you might look into getting a PET scan. Good luck and God bless. hummingbyrd
  • slamaj
    slamaj Member Posts: 19
    #3
    Breast MRI seemed to work best for me. Hated being in the thing but since mammo didn't show it really well, and ultrasound only a bit better, the doc felt the MRI was alot more definitive. Julene
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #4
    The mammo is still at the front line, re diagnostic imaging. Much can be determined by that most uncomfortable compression of our breasts...whether the suspicious spot effaces or not...whether it's fluid filled or solid, etc.. The ultrasound is next in line with it's obvious benefits. The PET scans are being more widely used now in addition to CAD and are proving superior in some ways. Even with CAD, the radiologist will still scrutinize the films.

    BSE's are still VERY important, I think, notwithstanding that some recent studies discount their value. I know too many women who discovered their lumps through BSE, when recent mammo's had failed to detect them, myself included.

    Wishing you the best in finding the most accurate imaging for your particular needs. If all else fails, including the very reliable MRI, then exploratory surgery may be the only option.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • cammie
    cammie Member Posts: 102
    #5
    I participated in a research study on different machines to compare to the mammogram. It is at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital in New Hampshire. Dartmouth College was helping with the study. They had a infra red machine that was suppose to be better then the standard mammogram. Feel free to call them and find out. 603-650-5000. Good luck
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    inkblot said:

    The mammo is still at the front line, re diagnostic imaging. Much can be determined by that most uncomfortable compression of our breasts...whether the suspicious spot effaces or not...whether it's fluid filled or solid, etc.. The ultrasound is next in line with it's obvious benefits. The PET scans are being more widely used now in addition to CAD and are proving superior in some ways. Even with CAD, the radiologist will still scrutinize the films.

    BSE's are still VERY important, I think, notwithstanding that some recent studies discount their value. I know too many women who discovered their lumps through BSE, when recent mammo's had failed to detect them, myself included.

    Wishing you the best in finding the most accurate imaging for your particular needs. If all else fails, including the very reliable MRI, then exploratory surgery may be the only option.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink

    I feel a little old anger resurgingg about my Dx process as I read this. My DCIS did not show on multiple mammograms, and an ultrasound. I kept going in because I had symptoms that did not leave. They told me pain is usually not cancer so I could relax, and discharge could be lots of things - but of course they never said what it was. Plus I also felt a large thicker tissue in the breast, which increase in firmess and size during the 6 - 7 months I hopped around to Dr.s. NOT ONCE did they suggest a PET scan, or am MRI. I called the radiologist in after my ultrsound and asked hwat else I could do to get a definitive DX. He said not much else! I finally called my gynocologist, told him I was gong to a surgeon to get my peace of mind biopsy and he'd better send in a referral! Even the surgeon looked at all the mammo.s and said - everything seems fine but if you really want I'll do a needle biopsy. Surprise, cancer in 2 of 4 samples. Later, after the lumpectomy, they found a small mass as well. If I hadn't been so anal and paranoid, and pushed for more info. my cancer would have been much more serious. My gynocologist did write me a nice letter and said he was glad I was DX so early! I wrote him back and basically said - no thanks to you! He then called and apologized. I impressed in him I was keeping him but that I expected a more proactive approach with the other breast. That side shows calcifications like the other one but no other symptoms ... yet.... Wonder if I should request any of the additional tests on it. Of course, the Dr.s think I'm paranoid for being worried.....
    Enough venting for one day! Off to enjoy the sunshine!
    Get up and Go enjoy Life!!!

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