Microcalcification

[lilkathie48]

Does Microcalcifications turn into cancer, an are they to be watched. Do they hide cancer?

[bluebutterfly2222]

I can't think of any particular questions in regard to this initial consultation, but I have found a wonderful list of questions on another Web site which would be useful to anyone dx with BC.

I hope you'll never need it, but I'll send you the link in a private message, just as general information, since you like to learn all about things.

Regards,
bb

[lilkathie48]

Hello,

I will let all know how my monday appointment goes with the breast specialist. I am bringing all my prior mamograms,an ultrasound. Learning all I can has helped alot, an how to ask questions for Monday. If there is anything you can think of to ask please don't hesitate to suggest, an from others on this Forum.

Thank you,
lilkathie48

[bluebutterfly2222]

Glad to hear you are finding our forum helpful.

Pleased keep us posted as you go through the steps in the diagnostic evaluation of your lumps.

The waiting is very difficult, but I hope all will turn out well in the end.

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly

[lilkathie48]

Hello an thanks for your information. It is helpful.I have a lot of microcalcifications an have never been told that about it.  I will look into the websites you suggested. The more shared is helpful an appreciated.

Thanks again,
like your screen name my nickname is lilbutterfly usually but i chose lilkathie this time.
Take care

[lilkathie48]

  Hello an thanks for your information is helpful. In 2007 i had  alot of Microcalcifications which led to 3 needle biopsy an then in 2008 a operation an was benign. They did not tell me this information though. I just had my mamogram two weeks now an found lumps with alot of microcalcifications right breast. So i have had Ultra sound which showed more images an now set up for a breast MRI, i was taking hormones which I was told to stop taking an that it would not show a good image. So the test is in February. I didnt realize it would be a slow process though. I am learning alot, an because I am a christian women patience an trust.
Thanks again for your info, an am glad to hear all went well for you an your ok. That is so good an your story is so helpfu to me an to other women. I appreciate your sharing it with me.

Thanks again, God Bless

[lilkathie48]

Hello and thanks for your comment.

[Cheerpul]

Microcalcifications occur in breast tissue for many reasons, some serious and some not.They are an abnormality that is a red flag for further investigation and testing.  When associated with cancer, microcalcifications are usually clustered.  On a mammogram, they often appear as a cluster of glowing dust.  Usually, you will be referred for a spot compression mammogram, an ultrasound, an MRI and/or a biopsy to determine what is showing on the mammogram and why it is there.

If they check out as benign (not cancer), the area will be watched for further activity.  Sometimes, there is cancer present.  

In my case, I had an abnormal mammogram that showed a bright cluster of microcalcifications.  After a spot compression mammogram showed more detail and an ultrasound showed nothing, I had an excisional biopsy of the suspicious area.  It showed extensive, high grade DCIS, a pre-cancerous condition.  The margins were not clean in one spot.  I and my surgeon decided to do a mastectomy.  When we did, the lab found a small, 5mm tumor that was hidden by the DCIS and microcalcifications and had never shown up on any test nor was felt during breast exams.

So yes, microcalcifications can hide cancer, but it is a complex thing.  They are more like a by-product of cancer - sometimes and other times have no connection with cancer at all.  That is why, when the initial mammogram comes back abnormal, it is checked differently using more sensitive tests.  

If you have been diagnosed with microcalcifications, you should not panic.  You should get the other tests done.  The best test and the one that tells you the most is a biopsy.  When you are thoroughly checked out, you will either get the good news that it is not cancer and what it is.  Or, you will find out that there are very suspicious cells present and need a biopsy to know for sure.  Most cancers diagnosed from microcalcifications are diagnosed early and can be treated successfully.  I am thinking of you.

[Louise414]

They are associated with cancer.  Presence of microcalcifications is one of the things radiologists look for when they read mammograms.