28 yr. old w/ mammogram & ultrasound - now biopsy

[dogmomwisc]

Hi. I had my first mammogram and biopsy yesterday.  I am being referred for a stereotactic biopsy next week Wednesday.  I'm very confused because I am only 28 years old and have no history of breast cancer (or any cancer for that matter) in my family and would consider myself low-risk (age, weight, etc.).  The doctor told me they found some kind of calcifications (intermediate?) and the normal procedure would be to do another mammo. in 6 months, but they are going to do the biopsy just in case and because of the size of the mass.  Other than that I only remember her telling me that I shouldn't worry.  Should I really not be worried?  I just don't understand why the doctor wouldn't just hold off for 6 mos. and perform the mammo again if they arent concerned with the low-risk factor that I am.  

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear dogmomwisc: 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 (and/or a mass) appear suspicious, further investigation, such as a biopsy, is usually recommended.  You may want to discuss this further with your doctor.  Alternatively, if you are not comfortable, you could seek a second opinion.

[boninclyde]

Just to be on the safe side please get the biopsy. I have seen things go both ways by reading others post. I myself had intermediate calcifications and mine was cancer. But remember it can go both ways. Just telling you my story. Others here will respond.  I had wide spread and cluster calcifications. Are yours clusters? They are usually more concerning. If it is something you definitely want to catch it early. I have no family history of breast cancer either. I am 42. Diagnosed at 41. DCIS. August 25, 2006 right breast masectomy found 0.09mm invasion (glad I had the masectomy or they would not have found the invasion). No lymph nodes involed. ER+, PR+ and HER-. Grade 3 aggressive. Again please get the biopsy it may be nothing but you need to know now not 6 months from now. Ask questions and do lots of research. I would start by asking if the calcifications are cluters. Another good site to visit is breastcancer.org. Please let us know.  I wish you well.

[suzi-q]

At 36 I was found to have microcalcifications in my right breast.  The doctors can either decide to biopsy it or wait 6 months to see if there are changes.  I went for stereotactic biopsy but not enough tissue was removed so I had to go for an excision of the area (lumpectomy..same day procedure.)  Thank Goodness all was benign....I CHOSE TO HAVE IT BIOPSIED AND REMOVED FOR 2 REASONS.  1-like bonnie stated, if it is something, get it EARLY! 2-why worry for six months?  FIND OUT NOW!!!!  I hate to say this, even though the chances are slim, no one is too young.  This disease DOES NOT discriminate......

[Avidhiker]

PLEASE, GET THE BIOPSY.  It is a very small price to pay IF there is cancer present. Besides, can you really have peace of mind knowing that there is SOMETHING unusual in your breast?  Microcalcifications that appear in clusters raise flags all the time.  Remember though, 85% of the time it is a benign condition.  I was in the 15%--unlucky I know--but LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE GOTTEN IT EARLY.

Good luck!

[dogmomwisc]

I am definitely going for the biopsy.  I guess I just don't understand why the drs. tell me not to worry, when they obviously have concern themselves or they wouldn't be doing this at all.  I did not go to my appointments armed with any questions because I just assumed that I would be sent home and I'm not sure I still know what to ask.  I am probably just angry and I know I cannot get a grasp on this at all.  I will update this week when I find out.  Meanwhile, I am losing my job in a few months due to company relocating and am about to accept another job.  Adding all of this confusion with not fully understanding my rights with insurance, etc. isn't helping.  Thanks for your time and your responses

[laure113]

I'm so glad you chose to have the biopsy. I had 2 microcalcification clusters. Both were benign.
Please keep us posted.

[Under Forty Pam]

The doctors tell you not to worry because 80% of biopsy's are benign.  They don't want everyone panicing that cancer could result.  It can happen, I was diagnosed at age 39 with BC but let's hope you don't join our club.

[ChristineQ]

Hi everyone, please tell me. I am 36. I have had problems with my left breast for the past 3 years. No cancer before. I had 13 masses removed and they were fibro. Well, now I went in Dec. again for mamao & ultra sound. I have suspicious calcifications. They said come back in 6 month, that was Dec. this past month I had blood come out of my left breast during a check from my doc. because I havent been feeling well and my nipple area itches and it seems like it looks a little rashy? Not much but enough to raise my eyebrows.They sent me to have a galactogram and mamo.It showed nothing in my ducts? Good, but still? My Doc. had set an apt. with a surgeon before I got the results. Since nothing showed up as far as the ducts/ do I just wait again for the 6 month check up? My Step mom is going through Inflammatory BC right now and I just don't know what I should do? I have had biopsy before when I had all of the masses removed, but what should I do. Thanks