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Is Lung Problems Visible In A Breast MRI?
Question: I had a Breast MRI and wondering if the lungs can be seen in the images? I am always worrying about lung cancer. I have read on sites that possible lung issues have been spotted on Breast MRI's.
Brief Answer:
CPnsiderations
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
A very limited evaluation of the lungs is included in the breast MRI. The main focus of the MRI is the breast tissue and the exam includes the chest wall, breasts, armpits and up to the neck. The lungs are just behind the chest wall and only a very small portion of the lungs is included.
A breast MRI is not a valid screening exam for lung cancer.
If you believe you may be at risk for lung cancer please discuss this with your doctor.
Thanks again for submitting the query,
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
CPnsiderations
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
A very limited evaluation of the lungs is included in the breast MRI. The main focus of the MRI is the breast tissue and the exam includes the chest wall, breasts, armpits and up to the neck. The lungs are just behind the chest wall and only a very small portion of the lungs is included.
A breast MRI is not a valid screening exam for lung cancer.
If you believe you may be at risk for lung cancer please discuss this with your doctor.
Thanks again for submitting the query,
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Lymph nodes are located throughout the body.
With a breast MRI lymph nodes located under the arm in the area of your armpit are typically looked at by the radiologist. There are not really a lot of lymph nodes in the lungs that are identified on a breast MRI.
if you really have minimal symptoms and if there are no significant laboratory abnormalities which concern your Oncologist then I think the chest x-ray would be sufficient at this time. If your doctor has some concern regarding possible disease elsewhere in your body then it would be reasonable to possibly consider doing a dedicated imaging study of the chest which would include a CT scan. This does include a significant amount of radiation when compared to an x-ray. Again it does not look like there is any strong indication to perform a CT scan.
Please continue to follow up with your doctor as scheduled.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Lymph nodes are located throughout the body.
With a breast MRI lymph nodes located under the arm in the area of your armpit are typically looked at by the radiologist. There are not really a lot of lymph nodes in the lungs that are identified on a breast MRI.
if you really have minimal symptoms and if there are no significant laboratory abnormalities which concern your Oncologist then I think the chest x-ray would be sufficient at this time. If your doctor has some concern regarding possible disease elsewhere in your body then it would be reasonable to possibly consider doing a dedicated imaging study of the chest which would include a CT scan. This does include a significant amount of radiation when compared to an x-ray. Again it does not look like there is any strong indication to perform a CT scan.
Please continue to follow up with your doctor as scheduled.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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