califications

[samilou]

my biopsy came back ok but i had to see about micro califications, i was told that radiology can normally tell if they are ok or if a follow up is needed but they said in my case they weren't sure about them that i was sitting right in the middle of this chart, i have a follow up mammogram in 6 months and i am a bit anxious does this mean that there is a chance that they think these could be cancerous. many thanks for any replies

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear samilou:  Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits that light up on an x-ray (mammogram of the breast).  These are actually very fine specks of calcium that light up on a mammogram. Sometimes they can be an indication of cancer or precancer. Based on their pattern on the mammogram it gives the radiologist clues as to their cause. For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to benign (non-cancerous) causes (such as normal wear and tear on the tissue), a “cluster” of microcalcifications may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor.  Microcalcifications that are indeterminate usually require further evaluation.  You might discuss this with your doctor and if you are concerned, consider a second opinion with a breast specialist.  These are usually affiliated with large academic medical centers.

[dortothysdaughter]

MY DOCTOR EXPLAINED MICROCALCIFICATIONS TO ME THIS WAY, ALL MICROCALCIFICATIONS ARE NOT CANCER BUT CANCERS WERE MICRO CALCIFICATIONS.  IT IS LIKE HAVING ALOT OF RED STAINS ON YOUR WHITE CARPET, SOME COULD BE RED WINE, SOME COULD BE KOOLAID, SOME COULD BE BLOOD. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO KNOW UNLESS YOU TEST THEM.   I HADE A STEREOTACTIC BIOPSY AND SEVERAL CAME BACK AS  "IDC". I HAD A LUMPECTOMY AND OTHER SAMPLES TAKEN AND NO MORE IDC WAS FOUND.  I AM NOW STAGED AT STAGE 1 DCIS., GOING THROUGH 33 TREATMENTS OF RADIATION AND THEN TAMOXIFEN.   IF YOU TRUST YOU DR. AND RADIOLOGY DEPT. GO WITH WHAT THEY SAY., BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS, 2ND OPINIONS ARE A POSIBILITY.