BIRAD 3 calcifications

[nymom62]

I went for a diagnostic mammo for some microcalcifications in my left breast. The radiologist showed me a few clustered spots which he thought looked "coarse" and he said they are most likely benign and would just reccomend a six month follow up.   He said this is "what he would tell his wife or mother." I left feeling relieved and figured I 'd floow his reccomendation. My gynocologist and gen practicitoner both got the report and both said  they "would absolutley not  wait 6 months", and my gyno referred me to a breast specialist/surgeon, and that perhaps it calls for a biopsy. I am seeing the breast surgeon Monday, but I am now a little freaked. I thought BIRAd 3 mammos were just "watched." Is my gyno being tooo conservative? Do I realistic worries?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What is your age? Do you have a family history of breast cancer?

Have you noticed any abnormal features on breast self examination like a breast lump, skin changes, nipple discharge etc?

I think it would be best to consult a breast specialist and then decide about what needs to be done next.

Your OBG and physician might be being over-cautious, but the breast specialist wil only advise an invasive procedure if required.

Otherwiser, you can follow up with repeat investigations and a re-evaluation in 6 months to see for any change in the lesion.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and about what your breast specialist advises.

Regards.

[japdip]

You are correct about the BIRAD 3 but if your GYN and Primary care Physician both recommend the consult with the surgeon then that's what I would do. Of course the Radiologist is in the business of reading films and does this hundreds of times each day whereas the other two Dr.s are NOT Radiologists. If you aren't freaked out about having a biopsy then do it. You could ask that your films be read by another Radiologist which might help to clear things up somewhat. Of course just because you will be seeing the surgeon doesn't mean that he/she will recommend a biopsy.I guess just take it one step at a time until you are satisfied with the last opinion. All decisions are up to you in the end.