I was wondering if anyone could help me in deciphering these MRI results.

It says there is expansion in the body of the sternum along with demineralization of the sternum. Axial images also demonstrate suggestion for a soft tissue component which enhances favoring the right third insterspace. Adjacent ribs are uninvolved. MR characteristics are nonspecific. Malignancy/metastatic disease needs to be excluded given the somewhat aggressive appearance on the radiographs and the fact that the sternum is completely normal on the old chest film (which is 10 years old, by the way).

I have an appointment with a thoracic surgeon in a couple weeks, but I'm chilled by these results. I'm 40 years old with 3 kids and can't believe I could be facing cancer.

Thanks in advance for any help you might offer!

The results are saying that the MRI has spotted some changes from your last results. The report is also saying that the Magnetic Resonance can not pin point the problem and that there is evidence that the breast bone(sternum) is losing some of the components of bone(demineralizing) some of this is the aging process. The old pictures being 10 years old would involve tissue changes due to hormonal changes and gravitational influences as well. However, having said all of that it is obvious that the doctor who ordered your tests think something is going on or would not have diagnosed the MRI. So, the best solution is to let the doctor be your guide. Usually when the reporter refers to enhancements, they are referring to the way that the tissue absorbs the contrast solutions. Sometimes it is nothing more than pooling of the contrast in one place and it resolves on its own. That happened to me on a Cat Scan once. They called me back in to get further shots that same day within 30 minutes of sending me home. I was scared out of my wits but it turned out to be the contrast material was just pooled up in one place. When I got back the "problem" was gone. I hope this will be true for you.

Thank you so much for the information. It has put my mind at ease a bit. I'll have to wait for my surgeon's appointment and hope he clears the rest for me.