Calcifications

Hi there, I have a question about my mother.  She has had breast cancer twice - both times had a lumpectomy and the second time also a lumpectomy followed up by radiation.  This was 5 years ago and she is 57.
My question is that on her recent mammogram she got called back for "magnifying" images - due to the fact that they found calcifications in her breast.  
I have done some research on the net and it says that these are calcium deposits and can be just as simple as that, or that they can be caused by inflammation, radiation, scar tissue or of course a breast cancer.  I know I read alot that mostly they are benign, but because my mom has had this twice before, does it mean necessarily that it is malignant?  What are her chances of it being benign?  They are recommending a biopsy - we see a surgeon tomorrow.  Last time she had a biopsy it was extremely painful - should we get a second opinion? And is there any chance if there are cancer cells that they could be spread by the needle they use in this biopsy?
Would appreciate your professional opinion.
thank you,
Caroline

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Caroline:  Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. There are different types of microcalcifications, and based on their pattern on the mammogram it gives the radiologist clues as to their cause. For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause, a

[sue-aloo]

Hi!  I had microcalcifications 4 years ago and they were benign.  However, there is a small chance that a cancer can be an underlying reason.  The calcifications are from cells that have died off quickly in that area.  They can be a result from a past lumpectomy (if done in that area) from a bang, or from nothing at all.  Of course, then again, there is that dreaded C word.  Once you have cancer or calcs you will always be in a high risk category and doctors are more specific when checking and are more radical with the findings.  Many times doctors take a wait 6 months and see if there are changes, but due to your mother's history, it is important that a biopsy is performed to make sure.  Is she having the whole area removed or just the needle biopsy?  Also, I never heard of them actually "spreading" the cells. I don't think that is possible (not sure though!)  I hope this helps and I hope all works out well with your mom...Let us know about the biopsy...we are rooting for you!!

[carsam]

thank you so much, I think you are all wonderful after reading your posts.

[japdip]

Calicifications do occur normally within the breast BUT it is how they appear that makes the difference. If they are clustered / grouped in a pattern then they are cause for concern. A BIRAD score is usually assigned to the mammogram findings. 1 to 5 .... even with a BIRAD score of 4; only 25-50 % can be something other than benign. Best of luck to your Mom.

[blondieny]

Just had positive biopsy done due to cluster of calcifications, Im 39, even though it was uncomfortable best bet is to get it done

[wmac]

what does the BI-RADS mean? I have a lump but they could not see anything on the mammo or ultra sound said I should come back in four months for follow up. However with me being presitant Im seeing a specialist this thursday. But on my report under Impressions its says "PROBABLE BENIGN FINDINGS (ULTARASOUND BI-RADS 3) RECOMMEND CLINICAL FOLLOW UP WITH PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AS DISCUSSED ABOVE. What does all that mean? Wmac

[Montana girl 06]

The Birads categories rate the mass or calcifications according to how suspicious they are. Birad 0: Incomplete, Needs additional evaluation. Birad 1: Negative. Birad 2: benign. Birad 3: Probably benign. Birad 4: Suspicious. Birad 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy. For Birad 4 and 5 they recommend a biopsy. Usually with Birad 3 they do not recommend a biopsy but ask you to follow-up. Hopefully, the breast specialist will be able to either set your mind at ease or else recommend a biopsy. Waiting 4 months is a common recommendation for Birad 3 but you need to feel comfortable waiting that long. I hope you get some good advice from the breast specialist.

[japdip]

Just in case this is what you meant by your question "what does BIRADS mean:
Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System