Concerned

I am 40 years old and had a hysterectomy when I was 22 years old.  I've been on and off of Premarin and Estradial since that time.  From the beginning I was warned by my physician of the possiblity of breast cancer associated with estrogen, especially since I was so young when I started taking it. During an annual visit, the nurse practicioner felt a lump in my breast and scheduled me for a digital mammogram . After reviewing the images, the radiologist suggested an ultrasound.  My right breast showed  macrocalcifiations & microcalcifications and suggested that I wait at least 6 months and repeat a mammogram to watch for changes.  Is this normal? I am cosidering a second opinon.  I am very concerned.  Please help.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Itsdaddysgirl2u:  Microcalcifications are actually very fine specks of calcium that light up on a mammogram. Sometimes they can be an indication of cancer or precancer. Based on their pattern on the mammogram it gives the radiologist clues as to their cause. For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause, a cluster of microcalcifications may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor.  If the microcalcifications are clustered, a biopsy is generally recommended.  You may wish to discuss the specifics of the results with your doctor and then determine whether or not you would feel more comfortable with a second opinion.

[Itsdaddysgirl2u]

Thank you soo much for your answer as it was very helpful.  Wow.... microcalcifications are clustered yet it is suggested I wait.....interesting!  I am scheduling a second opinion immediately! Thank you again!!