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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Clustered Micro calcifications
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Clustered Micro calcifications
by breasttrail, Dec 04, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 44 year old woman, diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia in 1995. I was told that I would be lucky to have my breast for another five years given the degree of the hyperplasia in both breast (left breast being more defined then the right). I was given three options: 1. Double mastectomy, 2. wait and see what develops, 3. Eat healthy, back to nature, no caffeine. I choose a healthier lifestyle and wait and see. Each time I find a lump or have my routine mammogram, I am on an emotional roller coaster, which impacts my family. In May of 2002 I found a new lump. July 2002 was diagnosed with a solid mass, which was not cancer. I elected to have the lump removed in October 2002. November 2002 went in for my routine mammogram and have been asked to come back for further mammogram films for clustered micro calcifications on the same breast that just had the lump removed. Radiologist indicates the clustered micro calcifications were not present in the July 2002 or November 2001. Should I be concerned and how to I handle the emotional roller coaster while waiting for the radiologist to read the results and send them to my doctor. When and if a biopsy is ordered, it takes time for the insurance to approve the biopsy and the facility to schedule it and then wait for the results once again.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Dec 04, 2002 12:00AM
Dear breastrail, This is something that needs to be followed up on. If the microcalcifications are in the same place as the recent lumpectomy, perhaps they are surrounding scar tissue. Are you seeing a breast specialist? someone who is able to follow the specifics of your situation? Depending on what happens with the findings of these microcalcifications, perhaps you might be a candidate for a clinical trial looking at chemoprevention strategies for women at high-risk of breast cancer? For example, the STAR trial is comparing two medications tamoxifen and raloxifen in terms of prevention of breast cancer. The link to the NSABP (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project) site is http://www.nsabp.pitt.edu for more information.
IS THIS POSSIBLE? :
On Feb 2001 I had a mamography with results of microcalcifications and recommended biopsy or another mamography in 6 months. I did take the next mamo on Oct2001 which had no variation and recommended to have another in 6 more months. At the end of the year the company were I work changed the health insurance co. The new company excluded any treatment on breasts because of my "antecedents". Until then I realized something might be wrong because all what my doctor had said it might means nothing. As a matter of fact I did not take mamos until November 2002, mainly because now I have no insurance on this part of my body. My last mamography (Nov 02) was made by a health social institution and before the mamography I handed my 2 previous mamos.
The report reads: Small breast with high density pattern. No nodels, or microcalcifications, or distorcions in the glandular area. Multiple auxiliar glands in normal aspects in both sides.
Conclusion: Breasts in normal parameters.
There are not changes compared with previous mamos (25/10-01).
Annual check ups are recommended.
To my understandg with this new mamography (made by another machine, radiologist & equipment) there is nothing wrong with me, isnt it?
I received the report from my follow up mammogram. Benign appearing clustered micro calcifications, repeat mammogram in 6 months.
With my history of atypical hyperplasia, should I wait 6 months and hope for the best or demand further testing? When I was diagnosed 7 years ago with atypical hyperplasia, the doctor said I would be lucky if I kept my breast for five years. I am scared and just want some peace of mind...