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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
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.
Calcifications
by carsam, Dec 11, 2006 12:00AM
Hi there, I have a question about my mother. She has had breast cancer twice - both times had a lumpectomy and the second time also a lumpectomy followed up by radiation. This was 5 years ago and she is 57.
My question is that on her recent mammogram she got called back for "magnifying" images - due to the fact that they found calcifications in her breast.
I have done some research on the net and it says that these are calcium deposits and can be just as simple as that, or that they can be caused by inflammation, radiation, scar tissue or of course a breast cancer. I know I read alot that mostly they are benign, but because my mom has had this twice before, does it mean necessarily that it is malignant? What are her chances of it being benign? They are recommending a biopsy - we see a surgeon tomorrow. Last time she had a biopsy it was extremely painful - should we get a second opinion? And is there any chance if there are cancer cells that they could be spread by the needle they use in this biopsy?
Would appreciate your professional opinion.
thank you,
Caroline
My question is that on her recent mammogram she got called back for "magnifying" images - due to the fact that they found calcifications in her breast.
I have done some research on the net and it says that these are calcium deposits and can be just as simple as that, or that they can be caused by inflammation, radiation, scar tissue or of course a breast cancer. I know I read alot that mostly they are benign, but because my mom has had this twice before, does it mean necessarily that it is malignant? What are her chances of it being benign? They are recommending a biopsy - we see a surgeon tomorrow. Last time she had a biopsy it was extremely painful - should we get a second opinion? And is there any chance if there are cancer cells that they could be spread by the needle they use in this biopsy?
Would appreciate your professional opinion.
thank you,
Caroline
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Dec 12, 2006 12:00AM
Dear Caroline: 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. There may or may not be any "lesion" visible on mammography. However, if the microcalcificantions appear suspicious, further investigation, such as a biopsy, is usually recommended. Biopsies are considered a safe method of assessing abnormalities to determine if further intervention is necessary.
Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System