Explanation for calcifications

[pianolady22]

I am brand new--just joined a few minutes ago. I had my annual screening mammogram 2/24 and a follow up mammogram last Wednesday for calcification clusters.  The radiologist recommended a stereotactic biopsy, which is scheduled next Monday.  

Everyone keeps saying most calcifications are benign, but what I want to know is, what ARE they if they're benign?  If your calcifications are increasing and clustering, what could it be other than a pre-cancerous or cancerous condition?  I have been researching everything I can find about this, because I believe strongly that knowledge is power, but I'm not finding any alternatives of what it could be if NOT cancer or pre-cancer.

[pianolady22]

Yes, it is what it is and the statistics are irrelevant.  My BI-RADS score was 4.  Thanks!

[zouzi]

Hi,
There is a BI-RADS score that radiologist always add on the mammogram and ultrasound report.
If the BI-RADS score is a 3,it means that the calcifications are probably benign (98%)and should be monitored regularly.
If the BI-RADS score is a 4,it means that the calcifications are suspicious,not characteristic of breast cancer, but reasonable probability of being malignant (3 to 94%) biopsy should be considered,but many of these biopsies are found to be benign also.
BI-RADS category 5 however, means that the calcifications are highly suspicious of malignancy (95%)
I agree with  bluebutterfly2222, that statistic don't mean much.When a biopsy is performed it's going to be either benign or malignant.
All the best....

[bluebutterfly2222]

When people tell you that most of the calcifications turn out benign, they are talking about the ones that had suspicious enough features for biopsy to be recommended. (The many, many types that are obviously benign don't have to be biopsied, so they don't factor into the statisistics.)

The figures I have seen recently are that about 15% are associated with a malignancy upon biopsy.

However, overall statistics don't mean much in terms of an individual-- that person's results will either be positive or negative (regardless of the "odds"), and that's what will matter.

Best wishes...

[pianolady22]

OK, here's another question:  

Of course, everyone tells you that most calcifications are benign.  Acknowledged.  Obviously, macrocalcifications, scattered calcifications, etc. are all included in that.  

However, if you have calcifications that are suspicious of malignancy, what does the percentage look like then?  I realize that everyone is trying to reassure women with calcifications, but I would like a realistic view.  

[bluebutterfly2222]

I have sent you the articles in a private message.

I have also answered  the question you posted after getting the dx of DCIS.

Regards,
bb

[frankey123]

Hi,
Could you please send me the articles as well?
Just had my stereotactic biopsy yesterday (not pleasant) sitting on pins and needles!
Thank you.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi Lisa,

How are you doing?

I'll send you the articles right now.

Regards,
bb

[popvendr321]

Hi! Could you send me that - as they keep telling me the same about my "good" breast, but they only tell you what it is not....not what it is!
Thanks,
Lisa

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi and welcome to our community!

I have sent you a private message containing articles from other Web sites, with info about califications, and the benign and other reasons for their formation.

I hope this helps with your understanding of calcifications.

I hope all turns out well with your biopsy.

Best wishes...