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Breast Cancer  (Expert Forum)
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breast calcifications
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.

breast calcifications

by Beezus, Oct 13, 2003 12:00AM


At my most recent mammogram, where they used the magnifier to confirm) I was diagnosed w/ breast calcifications in the right side at nine o'clock. A biopsy was reccommended based on the fact that they clustered and that borders were not even.

Is it abosulutely neccessary to rush into the biopsy, or possible to work on reducing the calcifications, and then go back and have another mammogram to see if the spots are still there?

by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Oct 13, 2003 12:00AM
Dear beezus, Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue.  Calcifications in themselves are not a problem, the concern is what they could be clustering around.  Further evaluation such as biopsy is recommended based on the suspicious character of the calcifications (clustered, uneven borders), not solely because of the presence of calcifications.  The only way to be sure of what this is, is to biopsy.  Without details of your situation, or seeing the mammogram the determination for getting the biopsy now or waiting to see if there are changes* in the mammogram aren't able to be made.  

* changes meaning staying the same or changing shape - these don't just go away.

Member Comments (5)

by surgeon, Oct 13, 2003 12:00AM
there is no way to reduce the calcifications. They are there because it's the way the body responds to certain irritants. One of the possible causes is cancer. If that's what it is, then it's best to find out sooner rather than later. Given the fact that most calcifications aren't due to cancer, under some circumstances it's elected to allow time to pass and re-xray them, to see if they are increasing or not. However, if you've had prior mammograms which didn't show them, and now they are there, it no longer makes sense to wait to see what happens, because they've been growing by definition (they weren't there, and now they are.) Newly appearing calcifications, if due to cancer, nearly always signify a very early and highly curable form. So it makes sense to find out.

by deepa, Oct 13, 2003 12:00AM
In pursuing this further, probably you will talk with a breast surgeon.  You might want to ask about stereotactic core needle biopsy (or vacuum-assisted biopsy, or "Mammotome") as an alternative to an open excisional biopsy.  Depending on the nature of the calcifications & related breast health status, your medical history, other factors (e.g., size of breasts sufficient for procedure to be done, location of calcifications), and personal preference, this type of biopsy may be something to consider.  



In my own experience, I had to see a few surgeons before I found one who did the procedure (often) and suggested it first as how he would approach the calcifications I had.  It was done, and my experience with it, though not what I would call pleasant, was easier to recover from than an open biopsy. It's less invasive and doesn't leave a scar line.



Core biopsy results are considered to be quite reliable, but there are times when an excisional biopsy may be recommended after it.   That's another whole kettle of fish.



Hopefully the radiologist told you that about 80% of the time, biopsies for calcifications are negative for cancer.  



Good luck with your decisions, and hope that all turns out well.

by SeaGreen, Oct 14, 2003 12:00AM
There is a new technique you should check out...it's a mammary ductoscopy with intraductal biopsy. It's an out patient biopsy procedure.



To Access :



www.or-live.com/bethisrael/1144

by surgeon, Oct 14, 2003 12:00AM
ductoscopy is generally done to investigate nipple discharge

by vicki53, Sep 01, 2008 05:12PM
A related discussion, breast calcifications was started.

by vicki53, Feb 03, 2009 09:22PM
A related discussion, breast calcifications was started.

by vicki53, Feb 13, 2009 05:23PM
A related discussion, calcifications was started.
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