Microcalcifications in breast cancer breast

[Cheryl828]

I found out today that I have to go have a biopsy on the breast that I had breast cancer on 17 years ago.  They said I have microcalcifications in a very small cluster.  They showed me what they look like and they are very small circles in a small cluster.  They said they are somewhat suspusicous and since I have a history of breast cancer, I have to have a biopsy.  If I did not have a history, they might just have me come back in 6 months, but in order to be sure I will be having a biopsy next week on Tuesday.  I will be having a stereotactic needle biopsy.  Will that be painful?  What do you think about what I told you?  

[japdip]

Cheryl, A biopsy is definitely the way to go. It shouldn't be particularly painful; perhaps mildly uncomfortable. Any cluster of microcalcifications should be investigated further. Good Luck.

[Cheryl828]

If I was able to see the calcification, is that a bad thing.  Microcalcifications, if they are cancer, mean that they could possibly be in the very early stages of cancer.  Is that true?  My other breast cancer, 17 years ago, was a lump that I found myself and it was just under 1 cm.  Thats not a microcalcification right?  Do I understand that if these little circular cells were separated it would not be a bad thing but the fact that they are clustering could be a problem?  Is that correct.

[skinnyminney]

I just had my biopsy yesterday for calcifications in my left breast, I had to wait nearly two months, so you are lucky you do not have to wait for very long.  Do you know what type of biopsy they will be performing?  You can see different types of calcifications on line and if you know what type they classified yours as, you can see the differences.  It is amazing what they have on line now as opposed to 17 years ago.  I have learned alot waiting my two months about calcifications and biopsies.  Good luck and please keep us advised.

[Cheryl828]

Where is the sight to see pictures of calcifications?  Did you have the stereotactic needle biopsy and if so, did it hurt?

[skinnyminney]

No I have an open surgical biopsy with wire localization (I think), it did not hurt alot except for the mammogram part and that is because I have implants that made that difficult.  It hurt after the surgery, but today (24 hours later) I feel pretty good, I have not taken my sportsbra off yet, and the site I saw the pictures was go to google and type in calcifications page 1, I think that would pull it up, it's not a regular website, I think it's for radiologist, let me know if you find it.  Good luck.