Suspicious Mammogram - what type doctor??

[usafemale]

I really do need some advice. I have had a digital screening mammogram and a follow up diagnostic mammogram. My family doctor is who sent me for the mammogram. The hospital sent my mammogram to him and he is referring me to a general surgeon. My friend told me I need to see a breast specialist. What medical doctor would this be? My DIL said it's an oncologist.

I don't want to go see the doctor that I have been referred to. I rather see someone who is qualified. My family doctor did not even discuss my mammogram with me, I don't know the BIRAD score, but I'll be getitng a copy of my mammogram report tomorrow.

I'm really confused and scared, even though deep in my heart I don't believe it is too much to be worried about, yet it's just normal to worry.

Someone else said I need to go to my GYN and let her refer me to the right doctor. Can anyone guide me in the right direction?

Thanks,
usafemale

[usafemale]

I went to the General Surgeon and he was great, so very caring. He called me after I got home from the biopsy and the hospital nurse called as well! What a great feeling to know there are doctors and hospitals who really go that extra step.

My BIRAD score was a 4. I had more than 10 califications.

My doctor called today and there is no cancer. He said he removed all of the calcium deposits.

Thanks to everyone for your reassurance.

[japdip]

Your next step is the one recommended by your Primary Care Physician ... a Surgeon. An Oncologist comes into the picture only after a diagnosis of cancer. A Breast Specialist is usually a Surgeon who does mostly breast surgery ... usually found in larger Medical facilities. If after you see the Gen. Surgeon and are not satisfied with his/her recommendation then a second opinion is certainly an option. You might inquire as to how many surgeries he/she does involving the breast. Microcalcifications themselves are not cancer but the response of the breast tissue to some abnormality within. There are several types of biopsy and I'm sure these will be discussed with you by the Surgeon. Since there is no actual lump/tumor and you were referred to the Surgeon I would guess that your BIRAD score was most likely a 4. This indicates some suspicious abnormality that needs further investigation. You mention that you don't want to see the Surgeon that was recommended ... he/she is perfectly qualified to deal with your case; especially at this stage. I had many choices and had a Gen. Surgeon for my procedures.  Regards .....

[braveheart2]

I too had the microcalcifications, same as you and Lauriebell. Over the years I have had excisional biopsies and lumpectomies for what has turned out to be benign fibroadenoma -- in these cases, I saw a general surgeon.

But the microcalcifications were new territory for me and as it turned out I needed the wire-guided excisional biopsy -- I wanted a different surgeon for this, one who had done many such surgeries -- it is different when there is no obvious lump to follow.

I sought the advice of some of the doctors and nurses who work at the hospital, and they directed me to my current surgeon. He is also a general surgeon, but he specializes in breast disorders and also oncology. All has gone well...and my results from that surgery last week are luckily benign. So keep asking around until you feel comfortable with your choice! Many MDs now also have Web pages that list their areas of interest, so this may help you in your search. Best of luck!  

[Lauriebell]

Your story sounds very much like mine.  I had the microcalcifications and the only way to tell if those are malignant or not is with a biopsy.  My diagnosis is DCIS and I had a lumpectomy on 9/17 with a good result, clean margins.  My surgeon was just a general surgeon and now that surgery is over he is sending me and my test results to an oncologist to see what if any further treatment will me recommended.  I know some people go to an oncologist from the start but this is what was recommended to me.  So this week I'm going to the cancer center to have a consultation with an oncologist and then a radiaologist.  The good thing is that digital mammograms catch cancer in very early stages so prognosis is very very good in many cases.  It is also possible to have the cacifications and no malignancy.  Hope this makes sense.  Best of luck to you.

[usafemale]

I forgot to say no one felt a lump - neither the radiologist, my family doctor nor me. The nurse at the hospital called it calcification deposits...calcium deposits. She showed me the mammogram screen and it looked like tiny grains of salt...not that many of them.

I just need to make this appt. asap for peace of mind.

I missed my yearly mammogram last year. I can tell you I will never miss another one.