Calcification followup - 2nd opinion

[robin96]

I had discovered a lump a month ago under my right arm (lower arm pit area - probably a lymph node).  It went away but alarmed me so I went to the doctors.  She did not feel anything, but scheduled me for a screening mammogram (I'm 39 so she at least wanted to get a baseline).  I was called back for a comprehensive mammogram (of the right breast).  They found calcifications, but said to come back in 6 months.  Now I'm a little worried and wondering if I should get a 2nd opinion or just wait the 6 months.  


This discussion is related to Very concerned about just being dianosed with a cluster of microcalcifications.

[iam1butterfly]

I was in the same situation 3.5 years ago. Only, I didn't feel a lump nor, felt a swollen lymph node. In fact, I had no symptoms at all. However, a routine (annual) mammogram showed that I had "microscopic calcifications of a suspicious origin" in my right breast. A diagnostic (comprehensive) mammogram soon followed. And, I was given the option of either having the calcifications biopsied or take the "wait 6 months and see" approach.
Given that I have extensive family history of Cancer, including Breast Cancer, the idea of not knowing for 6 months really bothered me. So, I opted to have a (surgical) biopsy. Thankfully, the results came back negative (benign). A year ago, more calcifications appeared appeared and, in almost the exact same location. So, I had yet another biopsy. This time a stereotatic (needle) biopsy was performed. The results also showed negative for Cancer. According to my surgeon, these calcifications are rarely, if ever, cancerous. However, it's the surrounding tissue where the calcifications tend to develop that is of concern. He also added that it was quite possible that the additonal calcifications, which appeared 2 years later, occurred as a result of the prior, surgical procedure. That is to say, the actual "cutting" into the breast tissue stimulated more calcification growth. Possibly, your swollen lymph node is unrelated to the calcifications. Did the doctor give an opinion on that? Whether or not you should seek a 2nd opinion on this is clearly up to you. The choice really is: Do you wait 6 months? Or, do you "push" for a biopsy, now? I can say that having had the 2 biopsies has given me a whole lot of "peace of mind." In my case, I just couldn't see waiting 6 months without knowing. Best wishes to you... and, Good Luck!

[robin96]

Thank you for sharing your experience.  I will be speaking with my doctor next week (when she receives the mammogram films), but regardless I decided to have second opinion.  If the 2nd opinion is the same, I will faithfully followup with a mammogram in 6 months.  

[japdip]

The only second opinion of value at this point would be to have your films read by another Radiologist. If the calcifications were a definite indication of a serious problem you would not have been advised to wait 6 months for a re-check. Calcifications form certain groupings or patterns that indicate the need for a biopsy and evidently these patterns were not present in your case. Further investigation is always based on the opinion of the Radiologist reading the films rather than your prescribing Physician. Calcifications are present normally within the breast tissue and are not always a cause for concern.    Regards ....