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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
clustered 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.
clustered microcalifications
by inmylifejem, Sep 15, 2006 12:00AM
Hi!
Newcomer here and like most, in search of some information. I recently had my diagnostic mammograms come back with a Birad 4 rating (i have to go in for a biopsy) with the following information(para-phrased): "Cluster of lace-like" calcifacations seen to better advantage on oblique view ...Suspicious cluster of microcalicifaction on the right side. This is a technical difficult exam due to implants and the fact that cluster cannot be completely imaged being close to chest wall. Basically thats all that was on this report. Nothing more specific on what makes it suspicious other than prehaps it being a cluster and lace-like. Anybody else have lace-like cluster?
Ok so my questions are what does lace-like mean in terms of this cluster? I can't find information that uses this adjative to describe a microcalcifacation cluster. Also, what the are the statistics that a microcalcifacation clustger is cancer? My research has turned up stats for birad 4 biopsys but not specific to microcalcifcation cluster. I have so much anxiety.
Thank you, Marianne
Newcomer here and like most, in search of some information. I recently had my diagnostic mammograms come back with a Birad 4 rating (i have to go in for a biopsy) with the following information(para-phrased): "Cluster of lace-like" calcifacations seen to better advantage on oblique view ...Suspicious cluster of microcalicifaction on the right side. This is a technical difficult exam due to implants and the fact that cluster cannot be completely imaged being close to chest wall. Basically thats all that was on this report. Nothing more specific on what makes it suspicious other than prehaps it being a cluster and lace-like. Anybody else have lace-like cluster?
Ok so my questions are what does lace-like mean in terms of this cluster? I can't find information that uses this adjative to describe a microcalcifacation cluster. Also, what the are the statistics that a microcalcifacation clustger is cancer? My research has turned up stats for birad 4 biopsys but not specific to microcalcifcation cluster. I have so much anxiety.
Thank you, Marianne
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Sep 15, 2006 12:00AM
Dear Marianne: 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. The term of lace-like is not a technical term but is a descriptive term indicating that the clusters form a pattern that looks like "lace." The "cluster" is the more significant term in this situation.
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 4 means that there is a suspicious abnormality. Most category 4 abnormalities are benign but may require biopsy since this category can be malignant in 25-50% of cases. I do not have statistics that indicate the probability of malignancy based on microcalcifications.
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 4 means that there is a suspicious abnormality. Most category 4 abnormalities are benign but may require biopsy since this category can be malignant in 25-50% of cases. I do not have statistics that indicate the probability of malignancy based on microcalcifications.
Member Comments (4)
by Montana girl 06, Sep 15, 2006 12:00AM
Many of us that post at this site have had biopsies for calcifications and it makes us anxious, too. I've had 3 benign biopsies and recommendation for a 4th biopsy still gets to me. If you have questions we'll try to answer them from the perspective of our experiences.
by Montana girl 06, Sep 16, 2006 12:00AM
To: inmylifegem
Also, I've found the more info I get the better I understand what's going on and the better I feel about my decisions regarding my breast. For advice, I just recommend you ask for a copy of the pathology report so you have the information for the future. And don't hesitate to ask the radiologist or surgeon any questions you have. Remember, there's a very good chance that your biopsy will be benign.
by Vetiver, Sep 18, 2006 12:00AM
I had a mamo back in June and they found microcalcification clusters in two places in my right breast. They did a stereoscopic biopsy which was really horrible on one of the clusters. Two hours of them not being able to locate the area. I was not happy. It came back with ADH now they want to remove a chunk of my right breast. I don't want to do the surgery at all. I thought the biopsy would tell me all the story but it appears it has not. Its been a long journey these past few months. Does anyone know what even causes microcalcifications? What are the chances of the pathology report coming back with cancer after surgery? thanks for your time. Veti
