Breast Calcifications

hello Iam a 48 yr old women who has had a complete hysterectomy at age 19 have been on HRT since then. I have had vaginal Cancer in the cuff of the Vagina and have been clear for 9 years now, however I just had a mamo come back with calcification spots and went for the digital magnaview which I am told is the best next step before a Biopsy I have been vigilant on the yearly mamo and never had a problem until now, which is very scary to me since family history is strong with all cancers included in breast cancer as one. question is should I insist on the biopsy after they finally get back to me because of the already cancer and 4 groin lymphnods removed 5 years ago which I was told was not cancerous or should I just believe anything they tell me PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY DILEMA!!!

[zouzi]

Hi,
Microcalcifications are quite normal in breast tissue and they are not harmful.  However, microcalcifications that grow in a cluster are suspicious because they sometimes cluster around a mass.In other words, while the mass may not be visualized on film, a cluster of microcalcifications may indicate that there is abnormal growth in the area.Experienced radiologists are quite able to identify typically benign breast calcifications depending on their form and pattern.If no suspicion is detected a biopsy is not required to prevent unnecessary procedures,but monitoring these calcification regularly is always recommended.
If the calcifications are suspicious it is proper in most cases to biopsy the area.Keep in mind that many biopsies done on clustered calcification return a benign finding.
I hope that your biopsy results (If you need one) will be favorable to you.
Sending you my best wishes :)  

[candy81]

thank you for the information, I have reasearched so much that my head is spinning at times the calcifications are only in the left breast which concerns me since some reasearch indecate that it could posibly be the early start of breast cancer and also concerns since my family history contains many cancers and I have had Vaginal cancer already after I had to recieve a Hysterectomy at age 19 the Radiologists is the one who sent me to another radiologists to get Digital Magnaview mamo due to the calcifications that only now have appeared and I have had yearly mamos for the past 10 years due to HRT I have been told nothing by either radiologists which is becoming very suspicious to me I just want an answer so I can deal with any outcome or treatment that may be needed. Thank you again and GOD BLESS

[candy81]

could you also exsplain why the radiologist di not tell me the results two days ago from the magnaview mamo which is suppose to be better than a regular mamo and if it was such a hurry up and get mamo because of what they saw with the first one done 2 weeks ago then why is the wait now PLEASE HELP EXSPLAIN THAT TO ME !!!! thanks again, I feel that if I am not vigilant in this then I may have to deal with something latter on that could have been prevented at an earlier time I guess waiting is the worst but I feel so powerless at this time.

[zouzi]

Hi again candy,
Please try not to panic and worry by thinking of the worst ...
If you have had regular mammogram for the past ten years and this last one has shown calcification,that doesn't mean that it has to be an indication of breast cancer even tough you have had a history of cancer in the past.
It could be that your first mammogram was not clear enough for the radiologist to make a correct assessment and you needed to have another mammogram.The results usually take a few days to a week and sometimes even longer to reach your doctor or you.
If in the very remote chance these calcifications (after a biopsy and IF you need one) indicate that an abnormality is found to have cancerous cells, it would be so early stage that it would be 100% curable by surgical removal.
It's not a very good idea,in my opinion, to search too much over the internet regarding these calcifications ,because you'll end up more confused about your situation that might not apply at all with other cases regarding this matter.
Just try to be patient and wait for the results from your doctor or radiologist.
I know it's so hard not to worry...but focus on positive thoughts and I hope that everything will turn up to be just fine...
Please let us know how things are proceeding...my thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you too...