Calcium Clusters/HELP

am 47 years old and both my parents have had breast cancer in their history. I just had a lump recognized by my medical doctor, and she recommended I have an ultrasound done. When this was done, the radiologist saw two spots of calcium clusters. One had about 10 and the other around 15 spots. I had a diagnostic mammogram done right then. They took 6 pictures magnified 10 times and told me to come back in three months to have another diagnostic mammogram done. I am getting concerned. Do you recommend I get a second opinion? Is this something to be concerned about?

[laura1219]

I think that the first thing you should do is get a copy of your mammogram so that you know exactly how they described the micocalcifications and what the BI-RADS rating was on your mammogram. If they recommended that you return in 3 months it is possible it was a 3 or a 4 (but not a really suspicious 4). Based on all the research that I have done since getting my mammogram results, there are so many types of calcs. Many, many women have them and it depends on the shape and size of them and how they look to the radiologist. On my mammogram I have a small cluster, between 10 and 15 I think. They are classed as pleomorphic, and my BI-RADS rating was 5. This means that they are malignant appearing. That is what the radiologist put on my report. He recommended immediate biopsy and excision. I have been to a breast specialist and he recommended a biopsy in the office. Unfortunately the position of the calcs prevented that so I am scheduled to have it surgically removed on Wednesday. There are many great sites around, breastcancer.org and others that have a lot of information about this. If you have not been to see a breast specialist, I would recommend seeing one and getting a 2nd opinion, if for nothing else than to put your mind at ease for waiting 3 months. You will have to go in person to get a copy of your report. They should have sent one to your primary care physician so you can also get a copy from them which may be easier. Hope all goes well. Let me know what you find out.

Laura (34)

[becaroo]

thank you for committing on my trouble.  I did contact me Doctor and see a surgeon this friday. I picked up my mammogram x-rays and tried to read the Radiologist report. It said my BI-RADS rating was a 3. not sure if that is good or bad, but will find out on friday at the doctor. trying to not let my nerves get in the way of thinking clearly.  again, thank you for responding. hope your surgery went well you are in my prayers.

[jacket girl]

I had a diagnostic mammo yesterday because of a lump I had found.  Although the lump we felt was not abnormal in the eyes of the radiologist, she did see two areas of calcification.  I'm waiting on the radiologist report to learn the BI-RADS rating.  Meanwhile, I've been told to return in 6 mo. for another mammo.  My mom and aunt both had bilateral mastectomies, and I've always been cautious, but it seems suddenly everything is going nuts.  I just turned 40 last month.  As I read your post, I feel like maybe we can understand each other.  You're in my prayers as you face the surgery.  You are not alone.

[becaroo]

I decided to have a second opinion and not wait three months for another mammogram, and saw a surgeon today. I am scheduled for an MRI with dye injection next week. The surgeon said absolutely DO NOT EVER WAIT! I am scared, nervous, kind of mad, but glad that I may finally have some answers. It is so prevalent these days, almost everyone you know either has it, or knows someone who does.  My advice, dont wait. Get a second opinion. Don't walk RUN. Please let me know what you find out. I pray for you also. Thank you for answering me, you are not alone either. :)

[angel_nan]

I stumbled upon this site trying to fine answers to my question, and now realize i am not alone.  It's amazing how everyone can relate to one another.  My question is..  I had my biopsy on the same breast, same location that i did two years ago.  It was benign, and i feel fine except now i have developed a lump where the biopsy location was done.  Is this normal?  It is sensitive to the touch, my last biopsy i never got a lump and never felt any pain at all.  I don't understand why now i have one.. It is like the size of a marble and very hard.  I just don't know if it is something i need to be concerned about. And another thing, i have nursed all my children, but my youngest son is now 9 and i have not nursed since he was a year and a half. I can still extract milk from my nipples, and it is weird, but it comes out green.  I am embarrassed by this so i have not mentioned it to my doctor.  I was hoping someone would know why this might be happening.  Thank in advance,  reading everyone's comments is such a great help to me.

[jacket girl]

I'm considering getting a 2nd opinion, but live in a very small town.  I'm not far from a very large city, so I have access to others, but no idea where to start.  Anyway, thanks for the advice.  I wish you nothing but the best next week with the MRI.  Let me know how that goes!

[laura1219]

While there could be a perfectly harmless explanation, such as an infection, for what you are experiencing, you need to go and see a breast specialist, or your family doctor first if that is what you need to do. Please don't wait!!! Please call Monday morning and make an appointment to be seen next week. I don't mean to scare you, but I don't know nearly enough about this topic except to say that you do need to go and get checked by a doctor. Don't go because you are embarassed!
They have probably seen so much that this is nothing!
Please post back and let me know how things are going and when you have an appointment.

Take care,

Laura

[angel_nan]

Thank you for your quick reply.  I was really hoping you have heard of this, apparently not.. I will call my Doctor on Monday as i need a physical anyway.  I will let you know what happens.. Thanks again.

[tumbleweed1999]

Check the physicians Oncology area of the yellow pages in the city ph. book and "ask around" for those that specialize in  breast cancer. Always, Always, Always get a 2nd opinion if anything is ever found.  I didn't and lost a breast to "non-invasive DCIS".  

Geri

[jacket girl]

Thanks for the advice.  I'll start my search.  I have heard from a few of my friends that I need to get a 2nd opinion as well, so I suppose I'd best get over the worry of offending the local doctors, right?  

[jacket girl]

I'm glad you're going to check with a doctor about that.  If you think you might chicken out, use the advice my own husband gave me:  If it were your child with this symptom, you'd get to the doctor and throw any embarrassment right out the window.  Pretend you are your own mother and get to the doctor!  Just from my own "Googling" I have seen that the discharge is possibly an infection, but the lump at the biopsy site might be related... who knows.  Let us know how your appointment goes.  

[becaroo]

how did the biopsy go? I have been praying for you. I have my MRI with dye injection on Sunday. They gave me valium to take before the procedure, but am afraid that won't be enough to relax me. I am scared. Have you had this procedure, and was it painful? What is your next step? Please keep me informed.