Abnormal Mammo

Hi-

I am a 35 year old with a history of breast cancer (mom post meno at 59).

I was recently called back for a diagnostic mammogram and sonogram after my first screening mammo.

The radiologist said he recommends I have a needle biopsy guided by mamm because he sees indeterminate microcalcifications. He said his gut tells him they are benign but you need a biopsy to be sure.

I am very nervous. I picked up the reports yesterday because my gyno referred me to breast specialist. In the report it says the calcifications are "mildly pleomorphic" I looked this up online and it seemed to mean malignancy.

I had a fibroadenoma removed about 8 years ago from where it seems the same area these calcfications are (i'm just guessing because that's where they put the sono probe.) The radiologist mentioned maybe it could be a calcified fibroadenoma. Is that possible??

Below is what my report reads. Any info you can give me I would appreciate. Why do I need to go to a specialst. Why can't I just get the biopsy. Please help! iI have cysts too. Do I need them aspirated. DO i have a good chance this could be benign.

"Today's additional views confrim the presecnce of calcifications in the upper aspect of the R breast. The calcifications are mildly pleomorphic. They spane approx 7mm. They are indeterminate.

Bilatera Ultrasound

In the left breast 11 oclock periareolar region, there is a deeply situated simple cyst 3.0x1.0x2.3

In the right breast 12 oclock awis subareolar region there is a deeply situated simple cyst 2.1x0.7x2.4

The cysts would account for low denisty masses demonstarted mammographically.

Impression:

INDETERMINATE MICROCALCIFICATIONS, UPPER ASPECT OF THE RIGHT BREAST. BIOPSY IS RECOMMENDED. THIS COULD BE ACHEIVED BY STEROTACTIC GUIDED VACUUM ASSISTED BIOPSY.

THE BILATERAL CIRCUMSCRIBED MASSES CORRESPOND TO SIMPLE CYSTS.

BIRAD CAT 4.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear KalleK,  A BIRADS  4 rating of an ultrasound or mammogram describes a suspicious looking abnormality that is not characteristic but has a reasonable probability of malignancy, and a biopsy should be considered.  In other words, based on the testing done they cannot rule out that something is cancer.  So to be on the safe side a biopsy of the suspicious area is recommended.  It is possible that this could be something benign (non-cancerous) such as a calcified fibroadenoma, but without biopsy confirmation we can’t say for sure.

[Montana girl 06]

You won't get an answer from the medical professional until Tuesday. My answer comes from my personal experience and info I've researched.

It's encouraging to hear your radiologist say his gut feeling says the microcalcs benign. That says a LOT. With your family history though, it's important that you follow up with a biopsy to make sure. I've had 2 Birad 4 biopsies for calcifications, both benign. Your calcs being pleomorphic is a feature that makes them suspicious, that's why it's a Birad 4, but suspicious doesn't necessarily mean cancer.

I also have numerous cysts, some regular and some complicated. I seem to be the only person worried about them. The sonographer, radiologist, and surgeon say there's nothing suspicious enough to do anything so leave them alone unless they bother you. Then they go crazy over my microcalcs everytime I have a mammogram.

My doctor always refers me to a surgeon before biopsy, also. He/she is considered a breast specialist who can help you sort all of this out.  Write down your questions so you don't forget.

I hope all goes well. I know it's stressful waiting and wondering. When is your biopsy? I'll keep you in my prayers.