Concerned about cluster of Microcalcifications

[carol03]

I am 45 and have been having yearly mamograms for the past 7 years, with no concerns.  After my last mamogram, I was called back for additional images. I am now scheduled for a biopsy 4/4/08 and am very nervous, not to mention in a panic.  Have not gotten too much information or support from my doctor.  Nurse at the Radiologist office said, that they found an increase in microcalcifications in my left breast that are termed intermediate and not too worrisome.  Has anyone else had this?
Thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This is great news!

Yes, it is important for you to continue with regular breast self examinations and report any abnormal features to your doctor.

Schedule periodic clinical examinations with your physician and get repeat investigations annually or 6 monthly , as advised by your doctor.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and post us about how you are doing.

Good luck.

[carol03]

Thanks for your help.  Got my results today from biopsy and am thrilled to say that they are benign!!!   Will keep up with SBE and next routine mamogram.

Thanks again

Carol

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to know that the post was of some help.

Has the lab report come in as yet? Do ask the doctor or lab for a copy of it for your self. Do post the report to us here.

There are certain feures that favour a benign calcifications and certain features taht are seen more commonly with malignant calcificatons - that is what your doctor was describing to you.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.

[carol03]

Thanks for your reply back to me.  I just got back from my biopsy, which was not as bad as I had anticipated.  The doctor who performed the procedure said, that the calcifications appeared to be on the surface of the left breast in a straight line and in a liquid form.  Felt that it would be benign, but would have to wait for the pathologist report, that would not be back until most likely Weds.  My question is, what doe it mean when the calcifications appear to be in a straight line and in liquiid form?

Thanks,

Carol

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium in the breast tissue that need to be investigated further to rule out cancer.

The microcalcifications if large or clustered are usually biopsied for a confirmed diagnosis. Most calcifications are usually benign.

The usual plan of follow up is a regular breast self exam, a clinical evaluation in 6 months and a mammogram every 6 months or annually or as your doctor advises.

Carry on regular breast self examinations and report any abnormal features to your doctor.

Let us know how the biopsy goes, and do post us the reports when they come in.

Dont worry about the calcifications growing, relax and just keep your appointment with your doctor regularly.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and post us about how you are doing.

Good luck.