DCIS & Microcalcifications

I am 53yo and have had annual mammograms for many years.  Last year, due to a palpable lump on my right breast, I had a diagnostic mammo. accompanied by an ultrasound.  The lump was found to be a simple cyst and I was told to return in a year for a regular mammo.

Yesterday I had my annual mammo.  I was given a diagnostic digital mammo. followed by an ultrasound  The radiologist told me that there had been changes since my last mammo and that I had DCIS and would require a Stereosatic biopsy, which I am scheduled for next week. She explained to me that DCIS is non-invasive etc etc.  This morning, my GP called and told me that she had received the reading and that I should make the appt. stat., Following the biopsy, I would be referred to an Oncologist and a Breast Surgeon.  I'm kind of stunned and therefore, have not had the presence of mind to ask any questions, except for telling my GP that the Radiologist had dx. DCIS and I asked if is that what I have.  She said "yes" and told me that the biopsy is just for confirmation, she then went on the talk about the mammo. showing microcalcifications which are very benign etc etc and don't worry.. So now I'm confused, is it DCIS or benign microcalcifications?  Can DCIS be dx through u/s and mammography and the biopsy is just a formality - or is there a wide margin of unknown that could be benign and I'm making myself crazy for nothing?

Thankyou and sorry to ramble!

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear goldenlotus:  Microcalcifications are 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 benign (non-cancerous) causes (such as normal wear and tear on the tissue), a “cluster” of microcalcifications may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor.  In these cases, biopsy is generally recommended.  There is no way, based solely on calcifications, to predict whether this is malignant, the type of malignancy or whether a malignancy will be invasive.

[goldenlotus]

thankyou so much for your response.  I just picked up the mammography report.  it reads:

There is a cluster of pleomorphic microcalcifications in the upper outer portion of the left breast 8.5cm lateral and 5.5cm superior to the nipple  There is faint soft tissue density associated with these calcifications  (is this an indication of the size of the cluster?)

Impression: Suspicious microcalcifications in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast.  recommend stereotactic biopsy BI-RADS 4

Does that shed any more light?  thank you again, so much for your time :-)