breast calcifications

I had a mammogram a month ago and was called in by my family doctor to advise me they found calcifications behind my nipple and a nodule on my breast.  Now I am scheduled for a deep mammogram and ultrasound next week.

I had no idea what microcalcifications were, and I have been reading about it on the internet and I am very confused.  I was told mine were a few tiny, tiny ones and were scattered.  I was also told it does not mean I have breast cancer or DCIS, however there is always a chance.

I read that if they are behind the nipple and turn out to be maliginant the only choice is mastectomy, and I am terrified!  I had no idea about this, and thought they could be removed via lumpectomy.  Today, I called the Breast Clinic at the hospital and was also told that if they are maliginant scattered and not in a cluster, they usually do masectomy.  Does anyone know if there are other options?  I am not saying I think they are maliginant and I am praying that they are not, but I am also trying to prepare myself in case it turns out to be.

Thank you all for your input and bless all the women who go through this.


This discussion is related to Microcalcifications.

[japdip]

Microcalcifications are an indication that the breast tissue is reacting to some abnormality within the breast. They are found normally in breast tissue scattered about and appear as tiny white dots on film. When they are clustered or grouped in certain patterns then they are of concern and require a biopsy to ascertain the underlying cause. It would be the nodule that could be the cause of calcifications found in your case. If this nodule is behind the nipple it could involve the milk ducts. I think you are jumping the gun in researching the type of surgery .... first the additional films and then more than likely some type of biopsy (either by a Surgeon or Interventional Radiologist). Then depending on the results of the biopsy the appropriate type of surgery would be determined. I advise you to take this one step at a time and not get so far ahead of the process. No sense stressing over something that may not even happen. Take care ...