Very concerned about just being dianosed with a cluster of microcalcifications

[TStevens2006]

I am 35 years old and had my first screening mammogram (baseline) a few weeks ago.  Due to the fact that I had very dense breast tissue, it was recommended that I have a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound (which I just had this past Monday).  My doctor called me last night and told me that I have a cluster of microcalcifications in my left breast and said that I needed to get in for a biopsy ASAP.  I have called a local surgical group and am waiting to hear back from them on when I can get in for an appointment.

Needless to say, I am a little freaked out by all of this.  I have done some research and I still feel a little overwhelmed.  What I've read says that if it's cancer, it's probably DCIS, which can be treated by removing the tissue and radio therapy.  Is radio therapy similar to radiation therapy?  Will it have the same type of effects (hair loss, nausea, etc.)?  

I was actually in the process of preparing for breast augmentation surgery when this was discovered - will I still be able to have breast augmentation?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear TStevens2006:  Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. There are different types of microcalcifications, and based on their pattern on the mammogram it gives the radiologist clues as to their cause. 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. There may or may not be any "lesion" visible on mammography. However, if the microcalcificantions appear suspicious, further investigation, such as a biopsy, is warranted. There are no statistics to suggest how often the biopsy results are positive or negative. Any time a biopsy is recommended, it is due to an individual finding and the outcome of biopsy cannot be predicted.
Radio therapy is radiation therapy.  The typical side effects from radiation to the breast are some minor skin irritation and general fatigue.  
In terms of breast augmentation, our recommendation is to postpone this until you have seen the surgeon and have the results from any further investigation.  Once this information is known, you can discuss with your doctor and plastic surgeon whether and when breast augmentation would be appropriate.

[Avidhiker]

My surgeon advised that 85% of clustered microc prove to be benign.  It is good that you are getting on this ASAP.  Good luck with your biopsy.

[suzi-q]

I was also diagnosed at age 35(36) with suspicious microcalcifications.  I first had a needle biopsy and then had the total area removed because I too, had very dense breasts.  It ended up being benign...I would suggest that you have the whole area taken out surgically and not go with the needle biopsy..especially with dense breasts.  It doesn't always get the right area or the whole area and you have to end up with it surgically removed anyway....Radiation is not the same as chemo.  Radiation takes only a few minutes, usually  every day for a certain amount of time.  You may end up with a sunburn in that area, but there are no side effects of hair loss etc.  Please keep us updated on your biopsy.  I hope that it is benign...remember, most are benign.

[ChgoGal]

Hello- I just want to share that I was told after annual mammogram that I have micro calcifications in right breast behind & above nipple area. Went for 2nd mammo confirmed it & had to have core biopsy Monday. Just was told the biopsy of breast tissue was benign(I am very thankful) However, there were no calcs to examine even though radiologist says she defintely removed them. Apparantly calcs can get "washed" away during pathology work..Anyone heard of this? Is it important to get lab results on calcs or just tissue or both? My doc is always in surgery & hasnt called me back-I have just been getting results from his nurse! (I am told to come back in 6 mos for mammorgram) Is there more I need to know or is this enough info to get me through 6 mos? Thanks!!

[japdip]

First of all, don't do too much reading and get too far ahead of things at this stage. What BIRAD score was given your mammogram ?? I would guess a 4 since a biopsy was recommended. Keep in mind that this doesn't necessarily mean a malignancy. You really shouldn't be thinking past the biopsy at this point. Treatment depends on many factors even if the biopsy reveals cancer. Please take it one step at a time .... that's the only way to deal with the many possibilities resulting from a cluster of microcalcifications.

[Montana girl 06]

I've had 2 benign biopsies for calcifications and am waiting on the 3rd and also have dense breast tissue. I've also read that if they are cancer they are usually a very early cancer or precancer unless they are associated with a lesion. I imagine that's why they did the ultrasound, to check for lesions. But, the liklihood that your calcifications are benign is much greater than them being cancerous. They usualy recommend stereotactic biopsy because it's less invasive. I've had wire directed biopsy (wires inserted into calcifications to locate them followed up by surgical removal) and stereotactic biopsy. Both times I had new calcifications come back in new areas, although there are many women who don't get new calcifications after a biopsy. I hope you get yours scheduled soon and that all goes well. Keep us posted.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm not familiar with calcifications being washed out in pathology but I'm learning new things all the time. Did they take a mammogram after the biopsy to make sure the calcifications were gone? I'd definately want to get answers from a doctor, too. Typical treatment after one of these biopsies is to follow-up with a 6 month mammogram so that part sounds normal. I'm glad yours turned out benign.

[TStevens2006]

Thanks to everyone for the showing of support - it has been a great help and comfort!  I have an initial consult with a surgeon (specialist in the area of breasts) on 11/7/06 at which point we will determine the next steps (what kind of biopsy, etc.).  I will keep everyone posted.  Thanks again.

[boninclyde]

TStevens do let us know.
I don't mean to step on your post but our forum has changed and I wanted to see if the other ladies on here knew of the change. If you click on forums then scroll down there are now TWO breast cancer forums. There are ladies there asking questions that maybe some of you can help. I'm not sure what advice to give some of them. Please check it out. It has been there for some weeks now. I stumbled upon it a week or so ago. Thanks all.

[ChgoGal]

They did do a magnified mammogram after biopsy. Question...how common it is to have more calcs show up on the 6 month follow up exam? It's hard to believe they can remove all of them since some are so small. Will I ever be calc-free? Or is that unlikely? (Still havent heard from my doctor-cant believe it) My 38 yr old friend has had calcs (scattered) in both breasts for 5 years & only has mammograms every other yr. Never had biopsy & doc isnt concerned. After all this I'm not sure what to think!

[suzi-q]

from my understanding, microcalcifications are NOT cancer..they are cells that are dying off.  The area underlying the microcalcifications may be cancer.  When they see micros in one area, they want to make sure that the cells that are dying off are not because of an existing cancer.  If your biopsy is benign, the protocal is usually a followup mammo in six months.  Sometimes they come back, sometimes not....but either way, they should be checked each time to make sure it is not a malignancy.

[ChgoGal]

Thanks for your comment...On another thread, someone talked about how she has calcs show up every time she has a mammo & has had 3 (negative)biopsies and on the 4th, something showed up malignant. I guess Im just being paranoid.

[sue-aloo]

This is suzi-q under another name....I can't find my other password!!!  Anyhow, I totally understand the paranoia!  I went for my baseline at 36 years old when the microcalcs were found.  I had them removed and they were benign.  Went for a 6 month follow up and everything was fine. I was told to come back at 40.  Now, I will be 40 in 2 weeks and have a mammo set up for 2 days after my birthday and I am totally freaking out thinking about what they will find! I just found out that I am considered high risk because of my past history and it totally floored me!  That is why I signed on to this site...to become educated in case my worst case senario happens.  Don't worry about being nervous.  It is your life and your health and you have every right to feel the way you do!  My best to you!!!!  And try to remain positive...I am trying too!!!

[Montana girl 06]

Remember that some calcifications in the breast are normal as we age. It's only when they make certain types of clusters that they become suspicious. On my radiology reports they always say I have other areas of benign calcifications. I don't have statistics on how many people having calc biopsies end up having more suspicious calcs appear. I asked my surgeon, and he said from my past history and dense breasts that I'm one of those people who will most likely have the problem with calcifications as an ongoing problem. Boy, that's somethhing to look forward to.

[ChgoGal]

I guess it doesnt help to worry for the next 6 mos...if they find more calcs I will at least be more prepared & educated than this time! And of course...always stay positive. Early detection is saving our lives. My friend just celebrated her 10th yr!(In 1996 she had lumpetomy, radiation & chemo)

[Ladymusical]

I had a mamogram (mammogram) on the 25th of October.  The hospital called yesterday and said I should come in as they wanted to do do a second mamogram (mammogram). I was nervous all yesterday and today I had the mamogram (mammogram) done. Initially they only wanted to do the right breast as there were microcalcifications.  The lady was very kind and sympathetic to my concerns and explained everything she was doing.  She brought the films to the radiologist. She returned saying he wanted her to do some film of the left breast. After the film was developed she brought it to the doctor who then came in and said I should have a biopsy and was going to call my primary. Yes he said I shouldn't worry just go about my regular routine.  He did say some other things that I can't remember, He did say the biopsy would be done on a table with me lying face down.  He said it would not be painful as they can numbed the area. Quite frankly I can't remember anything else that he said. I am very nervous. I just heard from my OB GYN. They recommended a surgeon. I just called the office they can't see me until the 9th of November for a meeting to discuss the stereo and the earliest I could have the stereo is on the 22nd. I didn't think I was going to have to wait so long. Is this normal? Should I try to get another surgeon.  This is who my ob gyn recommended.

[suzi-q]

I totally understand how you feel.  The whole process with me a few years ago took close to 2 months.  First they did a needle biopsy but because it was soooo deep I then had to have the area surgically removed.  It ended up being benign, 85% of them are....however, I know how crazy you can drive yourself when you are put in the situation.  I wish you patience at this time and hang in there.

[cyn17]

My experience took all summer (was benign). Stay strong!

[laure113]

I had a needle biopsy 2 weeks ago. They noticed a second cluster but then, were unable to see it. Something to do with the digital photos? My dr called and said she spoke with the radiologist who wants to biopsy the other one in 3 weeks. My first came back fine. I was so stressed and really hate to go through this again. One thing, the rad said she did get the entire cluster and wants to do the same with this one. I had a feeling it wasn't over with. It was too calm.
You're all in my prayers.

[Montana girl 06]

These biopsies often do seem to get stretched out. My experience is that a couple of weeks aren't going to make a whole lot of difference with calcifications. But it drives us nuts waiting! A lot of surgeons are very good at answering questions and putting these biopsies in perspective. Do you know your birad rating? If it's a birad 3 or 4, you have a very high chance that it will be benign. If you have questions, ask away. Tomorrow I go for my 4th biopsy in 8 years... It's going to be a stereotactic.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm so sorry you have to go through this again so soon. But, I'm sure you will feel better knowing the results. Keep us posted. Will it be a needle biopsy again?

[laure113]

Thanks so much for responding. The more time I have to think about it, the more fearful I get. Yes, it's a needle biopsy again. Really, the procedure itself wasn't that bad. It's the waiting for it, for the results. In my heart, I knew it wasn't over.
I hope your biopsy went well, today. You're in my prayers. Let us know how you are.

[Montana girl 06]

Yes, the stress going through these biopsies is awful. I had a HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders today. The radiologist that was to do my biopsy disagreed with the two previous radiologists and said he did not think my calcifications looked suspicious. (More info on a thread near the top.) Now I'm back to watching and waiting for 6 months. I'm MUCH more comfortable waiting this time because he answered my questions in a manner that made sense to me. I agree, it's not the biopsy itself that is stressful for me, it's knowing there MIGHT be cancer. I hope you will concentrate on the fact that most calcifications are benign. Hopefully the 3 weeks will go quickly for you.

[laure113]

That's wonderful news! I'm so happy to hear that. What a relief for you.
I'm not too happy, today. The reality is again setting in. There go the holidays. I have to stay in today. I have to pray. I will try and remember most are benign.
Again, I'm happy for the relief you must feel. You deserve a break.
Lauren

[laure113]

Just got my appt for Dec.6th! The same rad wants to do it, which is fine with me. I liked her but the wait...Hopefully, my results will be the same and I can say goodbye to this miserable year with relief. Thanks for listening.

[ARCMURD]

I am going through exactly the same thing!  I researched the internet after getting a call about my mammogram and having a cluster of microcalcifications, and hearing the word "biopsy" needed.  This happened yesterday and I've been in a fog, about to cry at the drop of a hat, since then.

I was scheduled for a breast augmentation on 11/21, which I'm having to hopefully only postpone.  

I have very dense breasts and cysts.  I have a mammogram every year and usually an ultrasound, too.  The cluster of calcifications were new on the mammogram I had on 10/20/06.  I just had an ultrasound in August 2006 (prior to meeting w/my plastic surgeon regarding my breast surgery) and it was all clear.  

I'm having a biopsy and ultrasound done on 11/14.  The biopsy is the one that starts with an "s."  Sorry I can't remember the name.  I am very upset and want this behind me.

[southbound]

Hi I am new to posting here. I have been reading this sight for a few weeks though and want to make a comment to arcmurd. Dont get too upset that the calcifications werent there when you had the ultrasound a while ago and now they are because they may have been there.calcifications dont usually show up on ultrasound (mine actually did). I would be going nuts also if I thought that something was growing that quickly in me to. Hoping for the best for you. Let us know how it goes. The waiting is the worst part but reading here and other boards help.

[laure113]

I felt the same way, today. Crying, anger. I just went through this. I had the same biopsy, sterotactic, and it was the fear of the unknown that was the worst. It really wasn't that bad. My first one came back benign. I think 70% are. So, the odds are good. Of course, it's the waiting. Mine is scheduled for Dec. 6th. Try and stay in today. I'm talking to both of us. Today, we're okay.
This is a great site and I found a lot of support. Talk to your friends, family. Let people be there for you. You're in my prayers. We all are.

[ARCMURD]

Thank you Southbound and laure113.  Yes, it's the fear of the unknown.  Even hearing that the odds are in your favor doesn't change that "off balance" feeling.  I really wasn't expecting this -- but I guess whoever really is?  I'm glad I found this site.  The waiting, and trying to go on with your normal life, is the worst.

ARCMURD

[laure113]

I know what you mean. I want to be in the favorable percentage. No matter what the odds, I still see 50/50. But that's me. I find I'm not breathing. I have to remind myself to do that! What a miserable thing to go through. Again, I have to remember, there are so many of us going through this. We really are not alone. Try not to get too ahead of yourself. When you find you are, tell yourself to stop. I know it's hard and I didn't do it today, but, just writing someone else who is in the same boat, helps. I'm going to practice my "stop its". Do something nice for yourself. Eat what your not supposed to. Anything. Hang in there.

[ARCMURD]

Good advice, laure!  I definitely am jumping ahead.  

So you've had one biopsy in the past and then a second?  How long ago was the first?  I'm so sorry you are going through this again.  At least you had one come back benign; perhaps that's a good sign?  I've seen various stats on this website (up to 70 or 80% benign, then another that says 25-50% come back positive).  Does anyone really know?  Well, if nothing else, I'm sure if it's something then it was caught early on.  Take care and we'll keep in touch.  You'll (and all the women here going through this) be in my prayers and thoughts, too.

ARCMURD

[southbound]

You know the funny thing is.. even after the doctor said that my biopsy was benign, I couldnt believe it because I prepared for the worst.It took me a couple of days to process the word benign after processing the possible cancer thought. It is almost a month now and I am going for my follow up mammogram and I am feeling positive now. I will still be wondering what the scan shows though. It is natural to worry.

[ARCMURD]

Good luck with your follow-up mammogram.  How long ago did you have your biopsy?  Glad you are feeling more positive.  It has to feel much better to get a good report and have that behind you.

[laure113]

I just had a biospy 3 weeks ago. I had 2 clusters and one became obscured with blood from the first and they could no longer see it. So, here I go again. It also took me a few days to come down, like Southbound said. I was preparing myself for the worst. I felt so calm for a few days. Calmer than I can ever remember until I got a sinking feeling and followed up with my dr. It's all about one day at a time, one moment. Whatever gets you through. I'm taking xanax and it does help. I'm not advocating it, but it works for me. I also took a few and a darvocette before the procedure. My dr said it was a good move. Whatever makes you more comfortable. Thanks for your prayers. See, we all pray for each other and stay connected with the powers that be. Keep us posted.

[Ladymusical]

Dear Suzi-Q, Montana and Cyn:  Thank you so much for responding.  Your support is so helpful.  My husband has been tremendously supportive, I have yet to share it with any of my friends or family.  I meet with the surgeon next week. And will take it from there.  I have been trying to take the advice of not getting ahead of myself. This is very hard, the thoughts creep in about the fact that I may have cancer. The tech who did my second mamagram said the percentage who have a biopsy of microcalcifications is 80% benign, the radiologist said 90% and 85% seems to be the percentage agreed upon here. The stereotactic procedure I am told is not painful.  Anyone have any thoughts on that?  I have been putting together a list of questions for the surgeon as I was in a daze when I spoke to the radiologist.  Any suggestions regarding questions would be so helpful.  Thank you to everyone out there.  I don't feel so alone.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I thank God that there is a forum like this.

[ARCMURD]

I'm having a stereotactic biopsy on 11/14.  I know how nerve racking this is for you.  

There are lots of websites about stereotactic breast biopsy if you google it.  I'm learning more about it by reading on the internet.  It seems to be the way to go (vs. open surgical bx).

Anyway, sorry I don't have much to offer you.  Just wanted to offer my support and hope things work out okay for you.

[Montana girl 06]

My stereotactic was not painful, just uncomfortable from lying in an uncomfortable position. My breast was numbed pretty well. I felt a burning sensation one time and was asked if I needed another shot, but they were almost done and I said no. Afterwards Tylenol or something similar usually takes care of any discomfort. Some women have NOT had their breasts numbed. Their story is MUCH different than mine. I would ask the surgeon what to expect, what limitations you have before and after (some have you quit taking certain vitamins), etc. Also, tell you family you've been told to take it easy on biopsy day - no cooking, cleaning, lifting, and plan to pamper yourself. (And yes, you have been told to pamper yourself - I told you to.)

[legallyblond]

I too am going through exactly the same thing. Waited 3 weeks to see a surgeon, only to have the office call and tell me the surgeon had jury duty. I am told that I will have surgery in 2 weeks (still no date although I have been waiting for yet another week)and that a surgeon and a radiologist will do this together, while I am asleep. I am told I will be on my back, not face down. Also, that a lot of healthy tissue must be removed as well?
The thing I read that helped me the most was reading that others seem to miss what the surgeon is telling them and they do not remember afterwards. I thought I was the only person in the world that couldn't concentrate on what I was being told.
I got admonished by a receptionist that I should "try to see the same radiologist" every year. Well, I wish my employer would let me keep the same insurance and maybe that would be possible. I do NOT have dense breasts. Why would I have to have this type of biopsy?

[Montana girl 06]

I wonder if you are having a needle localized biopsy where the radiologist finds the area and marks it with a wire (taking mammograms during the process.) Then you go to a surgeon who removes the marked area plus a margin of what he considers good tissue around it (so that you hopefully don't have to have a second surgery later.) It's interesting that I went to the SAME radiology center in July, October, and then Nov. 1 (all of this year) and each time a DIFFERENT radiologist read my mammograms. The third radiologist disagreed with the first two and told me I didn't need a biopsy when I showed up. (Well, the receptionist certainly can't blame that on me!)

[Montana girl 06]

As to why this type of biopsy? It is more invasive, but the radiologist and surgeon must feel that it would be better to remove the whole area than just tiny slivers of tissue (as in the stereotactic biopsy.) The results are much more conclusive. (I've had both kinds and questioned the doctor as to why.) Did they say how large an area they will remove?

[legallyblond]

The surgeon said she would be with the radiologist in the operating room doing this procedure together. And the wire was mentioned. She (the surgeon) showed me with her fingers about how large it was and it looked to me (I could be wrong here) to be about an inch and a half long.
I have relatively small breasts as it is (34B) and I have always been fine with that since they match my body. But, it seems I will be pretty lopsided after that much tissue is gone. The surgeon said she needs clean margins on all sides....

[Belinda1948]

A related discussion, Just had Breast Biopsy, scared. was started.

[Bluestar280]

A related discussion, Microcalcifications was started.

[robin96]

A related discussion, Calcification followup - 2nd opinion was started.