When should microcalcifications be biop?

[mere2610]

Little concerned, in October 07 I had
Routine mam (analog) results of new cluster calcifications left breast,
Called back for second look bottom line probably
benign. Suggest follow up mam 4 months.  January
08 had follow up (digital), again mircrocalcifications, probably
not malignant, biopsy beneficial but not recommended
at this time.  (Surgeon and Radiologist agreed would be
too difficult to retrieve concerning the location of
calcifications) breast very dense with fibrocystic.  Two
sisters with breast cancer, one three years ago and other
one year both stage 3 when found.  I’ve seen a
second surgeon who agreed with 1st and had my
4 month mam at a clinic using digital mam. Should I
be concerned.  My youngest sister’ DutalCell was found
as a result of a routine check with digital called back
and was pretty much told 2 days later that what the
radiologist was looking at was C.   Had biop. Class 3b
Chemo. And Rad.  She is very concerned for me.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What is your age?

Well the usual plan of management would favor a biopsy - given your family history and the fact that a biopsy would give a confirmed diagnosis and rule out cancer.

If you are not too keen on this, then you should carry out regular breast self examinations and report any abnormal features to your doctor and get periodic clinical breast examinations and repeat investigations in 4-6 months to see for any change.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and also post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[japdip]

Was a BIRAD score assigned to your exam ?? It seems that everyone agrees that a biopsy is not necessary but I'm not sure that I wouldn't seek a second opinion in your case. Perhaps have your films read by another Radiologist and also evaluated by a Breast Specialist. I don't believe that ANY cluster of Microcalcifications is too difficult to biopsy. When the microcalcifications are clustered it is an indication that there may be a problem. You have a right to copies of the reports as well as the actual films to take to whomever you wish for another opinion. I personally would DO IT !!

[mamaboulet]

With your family history I would lean toward proactive.

[bayla511]

I'm not a physician, but I was just diagnosed with DCIS.  Please see my post to this forum under Bayla.  If I were you, I'd find someone who could do a biopsy especially with your family history.  I had a cluster they were watching for years before the other one popped up.  It turns out after the lumpectomy that one was micro-invasive while the one they were able to biopsy with DCIS.
Best of luck,
Bayla