MRI Scan

[BethanyAnn]

Hello ladies 🙂

I have a pelvic MRI scan next week, do any of you know if Endometriosis can be seen on an MRI scan? I thought Endometriosis was only visible when having a laparoscopy 🤔.

Thank you in advance x

[DeeEndo]

Hi BathanyAnn

I had this exact discussion with my consultant recently, he advised that an MRI isn’t 100% accurate in diagnosing endometriosis which is why they usually do a laparoscopy. Though if they are offering you one on the NHS, that’s a good place to start! X

[CJR99]

Hello,

I’ve had two in the last month.

Previously diagnosed with significant Endometriosis during surgery last year for total hysterectomy,so I know I used to have it!

However,MRI tends to detect deep infiltrating Endo more than 5mm think and not the superficial kind.

It’s great that you’ve been given the scan as it’s an especially good diagnostic tool pre-surgery and will enable the medical team to see if there any issues they need to be aware of.

Please feel free to get in touch with any questions but, as DeeEndo mentioned lap is the best diagnostic tool.

Best wishes Clare

[BethanyAnn]

Hi both,

I was diagnosed with Endo after a laparoscopy last year but my symptoms have returned and a ultrasound scan showed I have an ovarian cyst and fibroids (even though I’m only 24).

I’m guessing they’ve referred me for an MRI scan to see if the Endometriosis has returned and how to treat it but I’m concerned that they won’t be able to see anything with an MRI and they’ll decide not to treat it 🤔 xx

[CJR99]

Hi BethanyAnn,

I'm so sorry you're suffering a such a young age bless you. I'm 46 and have also suffered for years.

Many health authorities don't use an MRI as part of the process as it's so expensive. I think it's a really positive sign that you're being given very thorough treatment. The MRI will be able to show if there are issues with any," organs sticking together," which can be common with Endo. We know our bodies very well do we not? I've got very little left for the Endo to attack but, I know its back and so does the Gynae/Onc despite it not showing on the MRI.

You have every right to request what treatment was carried out when you had the lap last year and if it has been excised properly. I know it's very hard but, even if the scan is clear there is a huge amount of evidence to support regrowth of Endo as many lovely ladies will tell you.

Hang in there and I will be thinking of you...I'm waiting for a lap myself and hoping this is the last one!!

Best wishes,Clare X

[cherry78 in reply to CJR99]

Hi Clare, I am 43 and after many years of endo and 4 laps, I am on a 10 month waiting list for a total hysterectomy done by laparoscopy. In the meantime, I have been sent for an MRI scan which showed absolutely nothing, it said that everything was 'normal'. What I don't understand is that my ultrasound scan done 4 months before that showed up a suspected endometrioma and signs of adenomyosis- I thought the MRI scan went deeper?! They still have advised that I go ahead with my operation so like you I think they suspect the endo is back despite not showing on the MRI. Helps me to hear that I am not the only one who cannot rely on what the MRI scan shows, bit of a waste of time and money in my case. I am hoping this is my last op toox

[CJR99 in reply to cherry78]

Hi Cherry,

I think it's great they've taken time to do an MRI. I've had two in the last month. It's a great opportunity for the surgeon's to see any main issues with organs etc However, as we all know it's not the best tool for picking up superficial Endo which can cause so many of us so many problems.

I do hope this is your last major op and you can pick up a cancellation.

If i can help in anyway please do let me know.

Clare X

[Hazel173]

Hi, im sort of in the same situation. I was diagnosed with stage 1 last year but they are now doubting it was endo as the coil made me worse so ive to get a mri to apparently show me that there is nothing wrong with me, back to stage 1 and the "its all in your head" stage.

[BethanyAnn]

Hi all,

Thank you for your replies! Would any of you be able to explain the difference between deep infiltrating Endo and superficial Endo please?

Do any of you know if an MRI would pick up fibroids on my womb and an ovarian cyst?

Thank you ☺️ xx