Hello Para427

I'm sorry to hear that you're waiting on more investigations at the moment. It's obviously a difficult time for you. 

There's some information here on our website about the different tests used in diagnosing breast cancer. Hopefully, it will help you to understand what information each scan is able to give the team. 

It's understandable that you're feeling anxious at the moment. I know that many people have found it helpful to talk things through with one of our nurses and I'd encourage you to give them a call if you can. I'm sure they will be able to offer some advice, information, and support whilst you're still waiting on results and a treatment plan. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

I hope that your appointment tomorrow goes smoothly and that you have some news soon. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi,

In terms of resolution (which affects accuracy) I was told that ultrasound has the lowest resolution in soft tissue followed by X rays, CT, MRI and PET. That said, they all have their strengths and weaknesses, so are used in combination to get the best possible understanding. 
 

Ask the radiographer tomorrow, they always seem pleased to answer general questions - just not questions about your scan which needs to be interpreted by a radiologist. 

Good luck for tomorrow

Dave

As Dave said, they all have their strengths and their weaknesses. Different scans are better for different types of investigations. I suffer from back issues, and MRI's are the best scans for those. Ultrasounds are good for liver issues and the likes, xrays for bones and so on.

My wife was given a mammogram, an US, an MRI, CT, then a bone scan. After all those, she was given the final measurements. So it's probably an accumulative picture they're looking for rather than basing all their findings off one single type of scan.

I have to admit though, which scans you get seem to be a lottery. I've heard so many people with BC state they had a PET scan, yet my wife, who had grade 3, stage 3 BC has never received one. We even have one in our city [Edinburgh], but yeah, she has never had one.

Thank you Dave 

I had my MRI done yesterday, nearly had a panic attack due to my mind running wild thinking of the worst possible outcome and due to being in such enclosed space. The staff were brilliant and they managed to calm me down. I did ask them and they informed me that the tests do different things therefore cannot say which is more accurate. 
 

Thank you for your response 

You are very right, that is what the radiographer said to me yesterday, they are used to check different things. Now the wait begins to see what else they have found (sick with worry right now). I have my results on Friday and op on Monday and just hoping for the best but can't help to think of the worst.