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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Calcifications after breast cancer on mammography
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.
Calcifications after breast cancer on mammography
by smokey 234, May 12, 2005 12:00AM
I had stage 2A lobular cancer (no nodes) diagnosed in May 2004. In February 2005 I had a mammography of both breasts which came back briad 2. I had my 1 year mammography last week. The doctor who read it said she saw faint calcifications that were not there last year. She said she thought they were fine, as did another doctor whom she converred with. They recommended a followup biopsy in 6 mos. These are the questions I have:
1. this is the first time they used digital film, so, could that account for differences? Last year they used regular film.
2. Should I insist on a biopsy anyway?
3. Could calcifications happen as a result of surgery or fatty necrosis both of which I have.
4.How likely is it that this is cancer? If it was cancer would it be early, and would it be a recurrence or a new cancer?
My oncologist says they are extremely cautious and if they said wait for 6 mos. I should just let it go but I'm not sure I can without worrying constantly.
Thank you so much for answering these questions.
1. this is the first time they used digital film, so, could that account for differences? Last year they used regular film.
2. Should I insist on a biopsy anyway?
3. Could calcifications happen as a result of surgery or fatty necrosis both of which I have.
4.How likely is it that this is cancer? If it was cancer would it be early, and would it be a recurrence or a new cancer?
My oncologist says they are extremely cautious and if they said wait for 6 mos. I should just let it go but I'm not sure I can without worrying constantly.
Thank you so much for answering these questions.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, May 13, 2005 12:00AM
Dear Harryswife: Microcalcifications commonly develop in breast tissue and are normal. Microcalcifications become concerning when they form in a cluster as they will tend to do this around an area of abnormal tissue growth. This could be many things but usually requires further investigation if the pattern of the microcalcifications is suspicious. A BIRAD score of 2 means benign (non-cancerous) finding, same statistics and plan of follow-up as level 1. This category is for cases that have a finding that is characteristically benign such as cyst, for example. Since this references the statistics and plan for category one, this is the definition of category one: Negative, there is a 5/10,000 chance of cancer being present. Continue annual screening mammography (for women 40 and older). Given your history, the followup for you may be six months, rather than a year (when they said 6 month follow up did they mean mammogram or biopsy?) Since you are worried, you should discuss these findings with your surgeon. Based on his/her review, appropriate recommendations could be made based on your particular situation.
Member Comments (2)
by smokey 234, May 13, 2005 12:00AM
thank you for responding so quickly. When they said followup they mean a mammogram, but I get nervous just waiting.
