Microcalcifications found worries me..

[SFMei]

I did my routine mammo lately and was called back to get more views on my left breast. The doctor told me there are microcals found in my left breast, and compared with last year's mammo, the numbers of deposits have grown. I have been arranged for a biopsy on 16th, they said just to make sure they are not precancerous. This word really scary me.  Before the 16th, I want to get advice to see what my chances are, even though I know that 85% should be benign. What about the 15%?  The mammo report shows "There are some scattered, and on the left possibly loosely grouped, microcals, but not very well characterized.  The microcals in the lateral, as well as superior and inferior left breast will be further magnified. Otherwise no interval change. No Dominant masses."
I have mammo done every year since 27 year old when 2 fibroadenomas were found in my right breast, they were benign. When I was 33 (now I am 42), I was told I had little microcals in my right breast.  And in the last 8 years of mammo with another medical grop, I was never told that I have got microcals in my left breast,and even nothing was mentioned about the microcals in the right breasts started 8 years ago,and I totally forgotten about it until now with a new medical group.  What my chances are??

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear SFMei:  Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. There are different types of microcalcifications, and 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. There may or may not be any 'lesion' visible on mammography. However, if the microcalcificantions appear suspicious, further investigation, such as a biopsy, is usually recommended.  Without review of the mammogram and doing a physical examination, we cannot speculate on the level of suspicion of your calcifications.  A biopsy is the only way to know for sure.  

[japdip]

I know of no way to estimate chances of cancerous or non-cancerous. Microcalcifications are normally present in breast tissue but it is how they are present that indicates a possibility of cancer. You didn't say if the microcalcifications were scattered or observed in a cluster. The biopsy you are having is the only way to know for sure. You don't mention a BIRAD score either. I believe it's 50% or more may be something other than malignant.

[Montana girl 06]

The chances that your calcifications are benign are actually quite high. If they did turn out to be precancerous they would be found very early and treatable. I think its fairly common for radiologists to mark calcifications on mammos and follow them for some time before they turn suspicious. (I've had  that happen twice now.) In the meantime we aren't even aware there is trouble may be brewing our mammogram reports come back normal. On the other side, as they follow these calcs, many times they never turn into anything suspicious, so I guess they figure they're saving us stress by not telling us unless they become suspicious.

[RavenLady]

Hey Mei,
    I just had my call-back mammo today for microcalcs (not in last years mammo) and will be havng my biopsy on the 18th.  We will be fine Mei!  Believe! MV

[SFMei]

Thank you all for your supportive responses. I am feeling a lot better now.  And really hope that the result would turn out to be great. Good luck to myself and to everyone who is going through all these.  THANKS.

[RavenLady]

My Mom had the old mammo guided needle biopsy and she swears only a man could have dreamt it up!  We get to lie on a padded table onour belleys while dangling the suspect breast through a hole!  I laughed so hard and intend to hold the humor through the procedure.  If you gigle a time or two Mei, I would not blame you, I will!  MV

[lvtwoqlt]

I have had mamo with microcalcifications 2 times, 2 stero biopsy followed by lumpectomy in 2 years, bengin both times. My 6 month mamo this week has shown microcalcifications again. I am seeing my surgeon next week for the official results and plan of attack.  they watch me even more carefully because my mom is a 5 yr survivor. I agree with RavenLady about a man developing the biopsy machine. the first time was OK but the second time on the other breast was getting tiring. I told the radiologist that I had "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" she then asked what the t-shirt looked like. they try to keep the stress level down while you are on the table. good luck to all.

[SFMei]

I got this painful stereotactic biopsy done on the 16th and got the result today, it is NEGATIVE.  I am relieved.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm so glad to hear your good results. Time to celebrate!