Microcalcifications pathology atypical hyperplasia

Is microcalcifications always cancer?  I am having a lumpectomy in a few days and I wonder what the % that cancer is present?  I know I won't get an answer, but this waiting is driving me buggy!

[japdip]

Microcalcifications are NEVER cancer. They are an indication of the response of the breast tissue to an abnormality within ... which is not always cancer. The calcifications themselves aren't anything except an alarm system that something is going on within the breast.

[madgeOwens]

Well I guess I phrased the question stupidly.  I meant when they find these red flags how often when they come back with atypical hyperplasia is it cancer.....thanks for trying to help me.

[mamaboulet]

It is my understanding that atypical hyperplasia puts you at high risk for cancer but is not cancer (neither DCIS or invasive). Just high risk.

[mamaboulet]

But there is certainly the possibility that the core biopsy only picked up the atypical cells, whereas the lumpectomy may find DCIS or other cancerous cells.
I have no idea whether there are specific statistics on this.

[madgeOwens]

Thank you for your input. Yes the surgeon said I was at highrisk for cancer because of the pathology, but I seem to block that part of our discussion out.  I keep reading about lumpectomies for cancer and no where can I find that it is a fishing expedition like what it sounds like my surgeon is doing on me, I guess I should just try and stop thinking nd wait to see what the lumpectomy finds. Thanks both if you, I am being a pest I know.

[zouzi]

Hi Madge,your questions are always useful,please continue asking, because you are asking the same questions that many many women want an answer for..Maybe you can answer this for me.What is the difference between a lumpectomy and a partial mastectomy? I thought a lumpectomy takes out the suspicious lesion completely,so why a partial mastectomy is maybe needed afterwords?Also when a lumpectomy is done,one needs to have a series of radiation?or that's only for a partial mastectomy operation?I am so full of questions that I feel overwhelmed. You are right Madge,the waiting is the pits....I hope it doesn't kill me before I even find out my biopsy result hahaha.Best wishes with a hug.Sue

[madgeOwens]

I think that it depends on how much tissue they take in the lumpectomy that it would be considered a partial mastectomy, I think if it would be enough to alter the brest a great deal I would look at it that wat.  In my case he is suspicious of whats there and is taking more by way of a lumpectomy to see if cancer is present yet, if there is cancer radiation would be needed after lumpectomy.  I want to know if I can get mastectomy instead of radiation or hormone therapy following lumpectom IF they find cancer. I am not a huge fan of either of those treatments. I know I am at my wits end. Atleast I am not getting nasty yet haha......I think nerves can set you on edge.  I go for anesthesia meeting today.  I guess I have been trying to get people to tell me oh thats bull, you don't have amything wrong. hahaha so far no one has.