Breast Biopsy

My mother, who is 50-years-old and going through menopause, went for a mamagram 4 weeks ago (she goes evey year). They found a small spot on her breast. When she wen to a specialist 3 weeks a go. She said that though the mass was small, they wanted to take it out and do a biopsy. The doctor said that she should not worry. He said it could be 20% cancerous 80% not. However, they wanted to take it out and look at it. he also said it could be calcium build up.

Another note,we do not have a history of breat cancer in our family and last year, my mother's mamagram was fine.

Chould someone please give me some more informaton. I am so concerned and scared.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear dinapoli:  Sometimes, on a mammogram, small calcium deposits will form around an area of concern.  This may explain the idea that this is a calcium build up.  When a spot shows up on a mammogram, even in the absence of a family history of breast cancer, it must be evaluated.  The only way to know for sure whether this spot is benign or cancerous is to biopsy.  Often, the spot is benign and then a person continues to have regular mammograms.  Your mother's doctor has made the right recommendation.