Calcifications

[gram7]

If you've already had a lumpectomy for breast cancer,and you have had a recent mammogram which detected calcifications, and a biopsy is required, what are the chances of cancer having returned?


This discussion is related to Breast Calcifications.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

Every new lesion or breast finding that occurs after a previous diagnosis and treatment of cancer should be pursued and evaluated as if this is were cancer recurrence until proven otherwise.  Based on the pattern of calcification on mammogram, the radiologist can give us the idea of whether the calcification is most likely benign or malignant.  If biopsy is indeed indicated, and the BIRADS category is 4 or higher, then the probability of malignancy may be more than 50%.  You can read more about BIRADS here:

http://breastcancer.about.com/od/diagnosis/a/birads.htm

Regards.

[frustratedrg]

Hi,  I had invasive lobular breast cancer in  2001.  I have had 7 calcification clusters biopsied since the breast cancer was diagnosed.  All calcifications have come out benign.  So,  I am only writing to give you a positive outlook on the calcifications.  Most are benign and I am one who can attest to that.  All of my mammos detect clusters and all seem to need further investigation, but having just had another stereotactic biopsy last week and it having come out benign, try not to worry.