Clacifications

In June of 2001, I had a biopsy performed.  The procedure consisted of breast X-rays to dtermine the location of the calcifications on the right breast. The technician removed approximatly 10-15 specimens, in the same general incision area.  The length of the procedure was approximatly 1 1/2 hours.  The sitting postion was very uncomfortable and I became light headed.  Then a week later my Doctor called and stated no calcifications were detected in the specimens, and I need to have the procedure repeated. Is the lack of calcifications a normal situation?  What would be the reason none were found?  Should I have another breast exam?  What about the radiation exposure? I am 46 years old and no family history of breast cancer. I was very upset about the lack of results after the biopsy was performed and even more upset the Doctor could not explain why.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear sheshe:  Calcifications themselves are not concerning.  However, when calcifications appear clustered on a mammogram, there is concern that they may be growing around an area of concern.  So, a biopsy would be done in the area of calcifications, where a mass may be hiding.  From what you are describing, a stereotactic biopsy was done.  That is, mammograms were done when the needle was in the breast to be certain that it was in the correct location.  I am not sure what you are saying with regard to absence of calcifications.  We may be missing some information here.  A discussion with your doctor might clarify.  If not, you might consider a second opinion.  If you do this you will want to take the original mammogram and actual pathology slides for review.

[Crystal85]

I too had a stereotactic biopsy - was very high in my breast area.  They had a very difficult time getting me positioned so they could see the calcifications and the doctor could still get in to do the biopsy.  The techs were wonderful,  we joked they did everything but stand me on my head!  Lasted 3 hours.   I was bruised and in tears before it was over.

Before they released me from the machine, they x-rayed the samples to make certain they had the calcifications.  I don't know how many x-rays they did, but it was quite a lot before they got me positioned correctly.

I did not have a lump for the surgeon to use for location.  The radiologist also inserted a small wire marker (can't recall the name) to locate the where the calcifications had been so the surgeon would know he had the correct site for the lumpectomy, if necessary.)

Hope this info helps.  Good luck.

Crystal

[DEDE]

I HAD A BIOPSY WHCITCH CONTAINED MIROCALCIFICATION DOES ANY ONE KNWO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALCIFICATIONS AND MICROCALCIFICATION I MEAN I KNOW MICRO MEANS SMALL BUT WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE SEEMS IT IS MORE CONCERNING THEN CALCIFICATIONS
ANYWAY I HAD FIBROCYSTIC CHANGES WITH INTRADUCTAL EPITHELEUM HYPERPLASIA ANYONE HEARD OF THIS AND IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS BENIGN HELP

DERONDA_RICE***@****
THANKS

[healthcareguerilla]

Hyperplasia just means there's an increase in cells. That is all. What kind of biopsy did you have and why? Do you have a lump you are concerned about? From what you've written it sounds as though nothing was found. Again, I highly recommend getting ahold of Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book and doing some research on your own; and also Susun Weed's book, "Breast Cancer? Breast Health"...both books will really help you know what's what...each in their own way. God! None of this is easy. But if we sense that something's not ok, then we have to expend the energy to fine a doc who makes sense, and that can take time. After three years following my excisional biopsy, which is not properly termed a lumpectomy by some standards because no lymph nodes were tested, presumably because after the first pathology report said malignant cells, then the cor biopsy said no malignant cells. In the "final analysis" ha-ha, I was left with a diagnosis of LCIS & DCIS and continue to have chronic pulling and tenderness in that breast which should mean I should get to a surgeon immediately and yet it could "simply" ha-ha be ye olde fibrocystic breast stuff...and yet it is NOT easy to find the right doc who you know will take things scientifically and as slowly as possible. AAARGH. Do the research. Ask yourself what you think is going on. We have got to have more information about cancer one can live with and what must be cut out, literally, and we've got to insist that everyone use the same language to describe symptoms, findings, treatment, etc. arrrgh.