Sterotactic Biopsy

In 2005 I had a stereotactic biopsy of my left breast which determined that microcalcifications were benign.  Since this time, I have had mammographies annually and just last week had another mammography which reflects that I once again have microcalcifications in the same breast (left) although they appear in a different location of the breast than in 2005.  I am scheduled to have a stereotactic biopsy this Friday (May 9th).

Is this common to have microcalcifications re-appear in the same breast?  Is this something my body produces - calcium?  I am hopeful that these will again be benign.  

I appreciate any information you can supply.

Thanks,

Lori

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Lori,  Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue.  Microcalcifications in and of themselves are not a condition that would become cancerous however they can be a sign of a problem that may need further investigation based on their appearance on a mammogram.  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, thus the recommendation for further testing which may include a biopsy.  The appearance of a new area of microcalcifications is not uncommon and each occurrence of a new area of microcalcifications would be evaluated separately.