calcification

I went in yesterday for a routine mammo.  My mammos are often not "normal".  The radiologists sometimes find suspicious masses (that after an ultrasound and biopsy are found to be benign)  This time was no different.  After the first regular mammo, the doctor and radiologist asked for a magnified mammo and an ultrasound.  It seems that I have two new "masses' and calcification in my right breast.  They did a needle biopsy on the two masses, but I have to go in for a stereotactic breast biopsy in two weeks.  I am really, really worried.  Does the fact that I have two new masses with the calcification make my chances of having breast cancer higher?  

I am 44 with no history of breast cancer.

Any answers would be welcome because I am really worried.


This discussion is related to Biopsy of Breast Calcifications.

[Judy1029]

Just wanted to reassure you regarding the stereotactic breast biopsy.  I actually had
one this morning.  Whole procedure lasted about 1 hour with only about 10 minutes
being the actual start to finish of the biopsy with the radiologist.  After positioning and
x-rays and explanations, he injected lidocaine in the suspected area - which was
almost painless for me.  Felt a slight ***** and sting and 10 seconds later it was
numb.  He explained when he would make the small cut and insert the needle used
to take the samples.  Could feel a slight pressure, then they took 12 samples.  You
can hear the machine and feel a tingle and that was about it.  After checking they
had enough samples (about a 5 minute wait), the marker was inserted.  I would say
on a 0 to 10 scale for pain (with 10 being high), it was only a 1.  Don't worry about it.
Be glad that calcifications, if anything, are usually very early.

Good luck.

[covertanjou]

Thank you for the reply, Judy.  I hope that your biopsy comes back benign.  I have been doing some research, and the odds are quite good that it is "nothing" or "something" that is in the very early stages.

Please let me know how everything goes.

Good luck

[iam1butterfly]

Calcifications are rarely cancerous... what would be more of a cause for concern is the manner in which the calcifications form (ie. clustering). Also, the appearance of these calcifications may be an indication that something is amiss within the surrounding breast tissue. However, it's highly likely that they're benign... but, you won't know for certain until the biopsy's pathology report is complete. Good luck!

[Judy1029]

Received the pathology report.  What I have is DCIS - ductal carcinoma in situ.
It is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer.  Considered Stage O.
In situ means "in place" and my pathology report said no invasive tumor identified.
So that is good.  I will have a lumpectomy on Monday, May 18 and instead of the
normal 7 weeks of external radiation, I will have a MammoSite RTS which means a
small, soft balloon attached to a thin catheter will be put in the lumpectomy cavity.
That way, I will be having only 5 days (twice a day) of a tiny radioactive seed that
will be placed within the balloon by a computer-controlled machine.  --The only thing
I am worried about is the wire needle placement and injections of a radioactive dye
near the site before the surgery.  Have to wait 2 hours for the dye to be absorbed
by the lymph nodes.  They did give me a prescription for a lidocaine type creme
to use before we leave the house.  Do you know anything about that?

[covertanjou]

Judy,

I am sorry I have not responded earlier.  My mom has been unwell, and I have been taking care of her.

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I hope you are doing well.  Please let me know how you are.

My biopsy came back as ADH.  That means no cancer, but I have to go for an excision biopsy to check the tissue around the site.  Hopefully there is no cancer in the surrounding tissue.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Judy1029]

I am doin fine.  Had my surgery on May 18.  No lymph node involvement and good
margins.  No invasive tumor, all was contained.  Had my five days (twice a day) of
radiation and am doing well.  Expect a full recovery.  Thanks for your concern.
Hope all is well with you.