Dear Dr

Next Friday I will be having an MRI of my spine. In May 2012 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and an incidental finding was noted at that time. As far as the Breast Cancer, I am doing great and the cancer was found early. Now on to this next medical situation. I am a 45 year old female.

From the MRI for the Breast Cancer here is what was noted as incidental for the spine:

"Linear abnormal increased STIR weighted signal is present within the central canal of the thoracic cord. This may be on the basis of syringomyelia. Consider MR of the thoracic spine for further assessment."

This above finding was taken from 4/2012. Due to the BC, I have put this off until now. I have read up on Syringomyelia, so I have a basic understanding if this is what is found.

What do you think of the wording "may be on the basis of syringomyelia". I have had off and on back problems for since I was a teenager. I have had my back go out a few times in my life and four years ago I actually needed physical therapy for a few months. Sometimes I have a stiffness in my back, where it is difficult to stand up straight, but this is not a regular occurrence. I do have minor scoliosis of the spine, but it is considered minor at this point by what simply physical examinations have shown.

I have complete faith in my physicians thus far in my clinic, so I am not judging their care. I would though be happy to get your opinion on my situation from what I have written. And of course, I will not know details until the MRI.

Thank you for reading my lengthy e-mail and I look forward to your response.