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If you have dense breast tissue the breast MRI will see the smaller lesions that the mammo doesn't. Sometimes it picks-up larger ones too. Mammos will pick-up microcalcifications which are not picked-up by the MRI.
Also, the MRI will pick-up the scar tissue which often mimics lesions. It is so important that your breast MRI is read by a very competent breast radiologist.
My surgeon also did not encourage me to seek an MRI. He assumed my insurance would not pay. I hate when the doc's assume these things without considering what is best for the patient. Interestingly, the little voice in my head told me to get one. Thank goodness I did. The breast MR found 2 tumors (1.8 cm and .4mm) that neither the mammo or the ultrasound found. The surgeons mouth dropped when I presented the films to him. All this after I had a lumpectomy with clean margins!!! Needless to say, I had another lumpectomy.
Your best bet is to get at least the breast MRI along with the mammo. This way you are covered.
The mammogram has been a wonderful tool for several decades -its technology is old yet easy to read and cheap.
The MRI would at least provide a better tissue diagnostic -more expensive, but worth the peace of mind. It saved my life.
Maria (MTS)
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