calcifications

i was called back after a mamm.to do a sterio tactic biopsy,a cluster of calcifications and some scattered.( im 50 years old no family history, seldom drink,never smoked.) i have taken bio identical hormones for 1 year and the patch for 7 years due to a historectomy. they could not do the biopsy because the calcification cluster was to close to my implant and between two veins. so i have been advised to wait six months to see if it grows which i understand means cancer. What would you recommend i do. i think i need to get it out. i am willing to remove implants,but they advise against that. i have been getting mamm. yearly and havent had any problems untill now.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear weehum: Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue and these are normal. Microcalcifications in and of themselves are not a condition that would become cancerous.  However they can be a sign of a problem that may need further investigation based on their appearance on a mammogram.  For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause and microcalcificatins that form a cluster may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor.  

A mammogram report is generally rated according to a BIRAD score which indicates the level of concern on the part of the radiologist.  If these calcifications are concerning in their appearance, then you may want to check with a breast surgeon regarding whether a biopsy or excision would be appropriate.  If these are concerning now, it is unclear how waiting will make this easier to biopsy later.  On the other hand, if these calcifications appear more benign, then waiting may be okay provided you are comfortable with this approach.

[japdip]

Microcalcifications themselves aren't cancer; they are an indication of an abnormal response of breast tissue to some underlying cause. This cause can indeed be a malignancy but not always. Eventually I would think a biopsy should be done and I can't see that waiting would make the area any more accessable. If I were you I would consult a Breast Surgeon regarding this and if you have already seen one, get a second opinion. Removal of your implants does sound rather drastic at this point but I can understand that you want an answer .... no matter what. Good Luck .....

[HazelLynn]

Hi, have they told you what kind of microcalcifications they are?  I had microcalcifications and we found out it was DCIS (very small), I pushed like crazy to get operated on and they tried to hold me back, but during the waiting time, it had started to invade - it was only 1mm and I had a mastectomy to be on the safe side.  That was within 3 months, I mention this to point out that anything can happen if its cancer, it changes, it can double in no time - I think I read between 25 - 1000 days to double, so if it was me, and it has been me, I would get it sorted out straight away - if it hasnt grown, then you are in the same position as you are now, but if it has - it could be a problem.

During my waiting period - I think I aged 50 years, lost 21 pounds, and was in a totally stressful state - I have four young children and it was with worry for them that made me like this - the waiting is mental torture.  Very luckily for me, even with the three month wait, I was caught very early stage and took aggressive action and have a good prognosis.  I hope that yours isnt cancer - but make sure they sort you out quickly and then you can be on the right side of it sooner.

Good luck to you.
Hazel

[weehum]

thank you, mental torture is right i dont even know yet if it is cancer and i feel as if i have been handed my death sentence. all i know is that it was cluster and scatteredand hadnt been there last year. it was a catagory 4. my thinking was if they were suspicious enuogh to want to do a biopsy to begin with ,then lets find another way to biopsy. i am going wed. to get a second opinion

[HazelLynn]

Hi, I hope all goes well for you on Wednesday, please let me know, my fingers are crossed for you.
Hazel

[rikyrsr]

I have had a mammogram every year and this year I had a cluster of calcifications on my right breast.  I am getting a biopsy on Friday 8/8 and am scared to death.  Not of cancer, because I am sure whatever it is God has made sure that I have caught it in time, I scared of the biopsy.  I'm such a wimp!

[weehum]

its not the physical pain for me. its the, is God ready for me . if so ok, but i do wish he would let me hang around a little longer.

[weehum]

well my second opinion wasnt much different. only he wanted an ultrasound i did that today it was ok except for syst,and he wants repeat in 3 months instead of 6. it was the same radiologist that did my mamm. i dont think they liked me getting a second opinion. the surgeon said about the same things. 20-30% chance of cancer, wait to see if they need to get aggressive.what is DCIS? hope you and your 4 kids are well.

[HazelLynn]

Hi Weehum, you did right getting a second opinion, at least you have a repeat in 3 months rather than six, so thats better. It doesnt matter that they dont like you getting a second opinion, its your body and you have to do whats right about it - I was checking up on my doctors globally, legally, scientifically and speaking to various teaching hospitals to make sure they did my job right!. You asked about DCIS, its where the cells are confined to the ducts and havent broken free - some never do apparently, but some do, as mine started to do.  There are some very informative sites about DCIS - just put DCIS into google and you should get a lot of other sites that explain it to you.  Also if you put DCIS into the Medhelp search, it will come up with a lot of information too.   Me, I am absolutely fine now and the kids are fantastic!.  Keep in touch.  I wish you well.
Hazel