Question on Microcalcifications

[donnaeve]

Hello, I am a 50 yr old female.  I had microcalcifications 3 yrs ago in my right breast.  I was referred for a needle biopsy - and the results - not cancer.  (yay)  I went for my mammo last year - all good.  I went this year, and found out I now have microcalcifications in my left breast.  I was referred for a diagnostic mammogram.  I just had that Monday and am now waiting on the results.  The technician did 3 views - two of the usual and one other b/c they are so far back - I guess somewhere near the chest wall.  I read somewhere that getting these in both breasts increases the chances of developing breast cancer by 50%.  Is there any truth to this?

[donnaeve]

Hi - thank you for your reply.  Wow, sounds like you really had a lot going on snd with the family history, I can imagine your anxiety when all this was happening.  I like your suggestion of the MRI.  I will mention that when I see the surgeon for the results.  thanks again!

[misawa47]

Hi, I also had a mammogram (Jul 08) that indicated a cluster of microcalcifications in my left breast. My prior mammogram (2 years prior) showed nothing and now this is here. I had a stereotactic biopsy in Aug 08; however, they missed the spot and had to have another stereotactic biopsy in Nov 08. That came back benign. I also had discharge, a swollen lymph gland under the left arm, AND a strong family history. I thought for sure I was going to get bad news. As many will tell you on this site, 80% of biopsy's come back benign so don't fret so much. I would; however, request for an MRI "just to make sure". They did an MRI on me after the biopsy and found a 6 mm mass in my right breast of which we have decided to just watch.
I'll pray for you that you will have benign results. God Bless.

[donnaeve]

Hello, I have a bit of an update ..:>)...I went to see the surgeon Dec 29th and he agreed with the radiologist findings to do the biopsy - although I didn't realize at the time my consultation with him was to decide.  There is a mobile unit (state of the art) that comes to my little city (Dunn NC) every other Friday to do these stereotactic needle biopsies.  This is the same thing I did before so I know the "deal".  Unfortunately, when seeing the surgeon Dec 29th, he told me the unit would not be back until Jan 9th - so my biopsy could not be scheduled until then.  AAARRRGGHHH.  (I just want to get it all done and out of the way...getting to just this point has taken a month now)  Anyway, then I have a follow-up appt Jan 14th to find out the results.  The waiting has been so nerve wracking!  I am optimistic but a tiny bit worried.  Here are my concerns...I haven't talked much to anyone about this so bear with me...1st concern...he said it was a bit fast for these to be there.  I.e. the last mammo late May 2007 they weren't...and then the early Dec 08 they were.  (about 19 months?)  2nd concern... it's a cluster...I know clusters can be benign or malignant so I shouldn't freak out just yet.  However, more definitively,  I have read that multiple clusters in one breast tend to indicate a benign situation whereas one cluster tends to lean more towards a malignant situation.  I have only the one cluster (ok, so I am a little bit freaked out on that).  Lastly, I also read the odds for invasive carcinoma versus DCIS are statistically significantly higher among patients with increasing or new microcalcifications.   But I don't  know if that means "new" as in brand new like mine - or new as in they saw a few, waited a few months and now more are there...This is a such great site...a place where I feel like I can get additional support and feedback from everyone going through similar experiences.  My family - although very supportive like I have said...tends to be more of the "well you don't  know that this is anything just yet, so don't be too worried..."  Yeah.  Right.

[japdip]

Good to hear from you .... I too hope your biopsy will reveal a benign result as in the past. Since you've been through this before I'm sure you will do well ... let us know the results.  Regards ..

[donnaeve]

Hi - I finally heard back from my physician on December 23rd and the radiologist has recommended a biopsy.  I go Monday, Dec 29th to see a surgeon - same one who did my first biopsy 2.5 years ago.  The nurse read the report to me  - it said there was a cluster of microcalcifications at the 3 - 4 o'clock position on left breast.  Recommendation stereostatic needle biopsy - which is also what I had before.  So, thinking optimistically, hoping for the same results.  :>)  So, I am staying busy taking down our Christmas tree, etc. and spending time with my son, my daughter and my beautiful grandson.  Plus, I have a wonderful, loving husband who is supportive as ever.  Will let you all know what the outcome is.  Happy Holidays!  

[donnaeve]

Hi - thanks for the posts on my question re: microcalcifications.  As of yet, no information.  I called to find out Friday (after the mail came and there was no pink form telling me all was normal) but found out the radiologist had been out.  However, in talking to one of the nurses, she said he HAD looked at it and I should have info by the first of this week.  The waiting is the pits.  Really.  Will keep you all posted!

[madgeOwens]

Its my understanding that it is quite common to get microcalcifications in both breasts, and I would not read alot into that aspect.  The waiting is no fun at all I will agree. I was thru this in September. Mine were clusters and biopsy revealed atypia hyperplasia, and I had a Lumpectomy and that was all reqired because althoug there was atypia(abnormal cells) it was not as yet cancerous. Hopefully you will be as lucky. The best thing is that you went for your mammogram and so whatever it reveals its early. Good luck and keep us posted. Madge

[japdip]

Not that I've ever heard. These calcifications in and of themselves are nothing more than the indication that the breast tissue is reacting to some abnormality within the breast ... not necessarily cancer; as you know from your previous biopsy. They occur normally scattered about and only when they are seen to be clustered or grouped in certain patterns are they cause for concern. This is when additional testing is needed and often leads to a biopsy.  Regards ....