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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Cluster of Microcalifications
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.
Cluster of Microcalifications
by rsolis, Sep 03, 2006 12:00AM
A year ago I had two benign cyst removed from my breast, recently I had a Mammogram done and what was found were Cluster of Microcalifications which require further testing, Breast Cancer runs in my family, my sister passed away at age 42, I'm 44 and very scared that I might have cancer as well. I have been reading and finding out that clusters might be considered cancerous which frightens me very much. Is there some type of foods I should be eating or can I do anything on my part to help!
Also it states my Birad Catergory is 0 due to unable to compare, I don't know what that means? Please let me know. thank you.
Also it states my Birad Catergory is 0 due to unable to compare, I don't know what that means? Please let me know. thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Sep 05, 2006 12:00AM
Dear rsolis, Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. There are different types of microcalcifications, and based on their pattern on the mammogram it gives the radiologist clues as to their cause. For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause, a “cluster” of microcalcifications may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor. If the microcalcification pattern is indeterminate the radiologist usually recommends a more focused mammogram (diagnostic) which would include magnified views to the area. These magnified views will help to clarify what is being seen on the mammogram.
BIRADS scale is a rating system used by radiologists to categorize findings on a mammogram. The scale runs from 1 to 5. 1 being nothing to comment on. Routine screening. to 5 being highly suggestive of malignancy. A rating of 0 would indicate that they did not give these results a rating at all.
In terms of what you can do, it is best to follow through on the recommended further testing to determine what these findings mean.
BIRADS scale is a rating system used by radiologists to categorize findings on a mammogram. The scale runs from 1 to 5. 1 being nothing to comment on. Routine screening. to 5 being highly suggestive of malignancy. A rating of 0 would indicate that they did not give these results a rating at all.
In terms of what you can do, it is best to follow through on the recommended further testing to determine what these findings mean.
Member Comments (41)
by boninclyde, Sep 03, 2006 12:00AM
I saw your post below under bc friends. We must have been typing at the same time. I don't think diet does much for bc. See post below.
by Montana girl 06, Sep 03, 2006 12:00AM
To: rsolis
Birad 0 means the information is incomplete. I assume they scheduled you for more detailed mammograms. After the radiologist reads them he will give you another birad rating. They'll probably want to do a biopsy because that's the only way you'll know for sure if they are cancerous or not. I also have new calcifications that appear in suspicious groupings on a regular basis. My surgeon told me they have nothing to do with diet and there is nothing I can do to prevent them. Injury to the breast can cause them, though.
by rsolis, Sep 03, 2006 12:00AM
Thank you for your comments, I just have to wait and see what the outcome will be. Can you tell me, what is the best route needle biopsy or surgery? I don't want to go through surgery again but I'm not sure if the needle part of it is enough. Any advise.
by Under Forty Pam, Sep 04, 2006 12:00AM
Most likely they would do a needle biopsy first before surgery to confirm whether it is cancer of not. Remember 80% of microcal. are benign.
by Montana girl 06, Sep 04, 2006 12:00AM
My first biopsy for calcifications was needle (wire) directed where the radiologist inserted wires into the calcifications taking mammogram pictures as he went to guide him. Then a surgeon removed the calcifications as indicated by the wires. I thought I should have had a stereotactic biopsy (less invasive) but the radiologist felt the needle directed was more appropriate. (A friend who went to the same radiologist had a stereotactic about the same time, so I know he reommends both types.) Last Jan. I had a steeotactic biopsy which I prefer. I think it depends on the location of the calcifications. It's hard to get deep calcifications with stereotactic biopsies.
by Avidhiker, Sep 05, 2006 12:00AM
Your surgeon will determine what biopsy procedure is appropriate for you. Sometimes the area in question may be too large or too deep for sterotactic or needle. Then, as in my case, an open biopsy is warranted. My was performed with conscious sedation and a local. I FELT AND REMEMBERED NOTHING. The worst part was the dye injection the evening before, very discomforting. Like the saying goes, you have to do what you have to do. Good luck!
by rsolis, Sep 05, 2006 12:00AM
I just got my appointment for tomorrow so happy, will I find out with the Diagnostic test and the Ultra sound test if I have cancer or not?
by Montana girl 06, Sep 05, 2006 12:00AM
To: rsolis
After the diagnostic mammogram and US the radiologist will read them, write (or dictate) a report and give it a BIRAD rating. You probably won't get those results for a couple of days, but you have a right to ask to meet with the radiologist while you're there and you can ask him your questions. The additional pictures will help the radiologist and surgeon make a recommendation for what type of biopsy you need and if you even need one. They can't tell if calcifications are cancerous without doing a biopsy. They can only rate how suspicious they look. (BIRAD)It's always a good idea to ask for a copy of the radiologists report. I'm trying to get a copy of a report from Dec. 05 and nobody can find it.
by rsolis, Sep 05, 2006 12:00AM
To: Montana girl
O.K. thanks I will ask for a copy, what questions should I ask? I'm so nervous and I know I will forget to ask questions.
by Montana girl 06, Sep 06, 2006 12:00AM
To: rsolis
If they recommend a biopsy I would ask why they recommend that specific type of biopsy. I'd also ask what the Birad is and why specifically the radiologist is worried about these calcifications. He will probably show you the calcifications on the mammograms (but it's always hard for me to see what they're trying to show me. They use a magnifying glass and are really tuned into what to look for, unlike me with the untrained eye.)If he doesn't recommend a biopsy I'd also ask why. If you are meeting with the surgeon before the biopsy (which usually happens) I'd ask the surgeon for an explanation of the biopsy procedure (which he should do anyway), how it will feel, how you will feel afterwards, limitations afterwards, how long the procedure will take, how to prepare for it (if necessary),etc.
by phedor, Sep 07, 2006 12:00AM
I tried to post on the thread that I first posted on , however it was closed to new comments. I got the results of my biopsy and everything was fine. I will have mammograms every six months and see the surgeon again in one year. I would like to thank everyone for there thoughts and prayers. I wish everyone well.
by Montana girl 06, Sep 07, 2006 12:00AM
To: phedor
Thanks for sharing your good news. Glad it turned out benign.
by rsolis, Sep 12, 2006 12:00AM
Had another Diagnostic test done on Sept 9 and it confirmed the findings of Cluster of Calification is noted in the 2 o'clock position Recommendation is needle biopsy which I'm scheduled in one week from now. Can anyone tell me is it painful? And how soon can they tell me if it's cancerous, I asked that question they said it's sent to the lab and in a few days they will get the results back, but what's a few days? What are the chances it might be cancer.
by cyn17