What does it mean when MRI shows enhancement after lumpectomy?
Community Member
a month agoHi everyone. I just had my 1 year follow up after having a lumpectomy in Dec 2024 and being diagnosed in Oct 2024 with Stage1 invasive ductal Carcinoma ER/PR+ HER-. I had 5 days of radiation and have been on Tamoxifen since March. My mammogram today showed no signs of cancer on either side and my bloodwork came back normal however, they did an MRI with contrast and it showed a 2.6cm linear enhanced nonmass right above the lumpectomy I had. They are now recommending a biopsy and I’m terrified. I was told it could be scar tissue or fat necrosis or something from radiation. It could also be a new cancer. Has anyone else been in this situation?
Accepted Answer
Enhancement on MRI after lumpectomy can understandably cause worry, but it's encouraging that your mammogram and bloodwork came back clear. Post-surgical changes like scar tissue, fat necrosis, and radiation effects are common causes of enhancement and can appear months after treatment, which is why your medical team is taking the careful step of recommending a biopsy to determine exactly what's causing it. Many others in this community have faced similar follow-up findings, and sharing experiences here can provide valuable support during this anxious waiting period.
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Community Member
a month agoI haven’t been in the situation. Definitely could be post treatment changes especially based on the description. Hope all goes well with the biopsy.
Community Member
24 days agoEnhancement on MRI after lumpectomy can understandably cause worry, but it's encouraging that your mammogram and bloodwork came back clear. Post-surgical changes like scar tissue, fat necrosis, and radiation effects are common causes of enhancement and can appear months after treatment, which is why your medical team is taking the careful step of recommending a biopsy to determine exactly what's causing it. Many others in this community have faced similar follow-up findings, and sharing experiences here can provide valuable support during this anxious waiting period.
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