Cluster of Microcalcification

I am 42 years old and I had a recent mammogram that showed a cluster of microcalcification, then I had to have a diagnostic mammogram.  Again they say that it is an undeterminate type and referred me to a surgeon.  I went to a breast surgeon today and she also told me that with this kind of cluster with many shapes and sizes of calcification, they are suspicious of cancer.  I have to have a biopsy but I am waiting to hear back for the date, I am really nervous.  If it is a pre-cancer or early stage cancer does anyone know what the next step would be......would radiation be needed?


This discussion is related to cluster of microcalcifications benign?.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

These patterns of calcifications may signify a condition called DCIS, or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.  This is a pre-malignant stage of cancer, and is usually treated with excision or lumpectomy followed by radiation.  The biopsy that will be done can either be a core biopsy or an excision biopsy (the excision biopsy will be more accurate due to the larger amount of tissue removed).  However, there are still benign conditions that can present with calcifications such as fibrocystic disease or fibroadenoma, and it will all depend on the biopsy.

I hope that everything will turn out fine.  Regards and God bless.