cluster calcification

[dibbyw]

How can I ask my Dr. specific questions to know the likelihood of maligancy with my custer calcification?   I had benign scattered calcifications removed during biopsy with 1/3rd of my breast removed 12 years ago.  Now the cluster has appeared in two sets of mamograms in the same breast.  I have over a week to wait for the biopsy and would like to know anything that may be reassuring.  Can you help me?

[lizzy100]

hey japdig. sorry that your having to wait. it seems to be quite a common thing that the other tests dont show anything and then the mammogram does. calcification is not usually cancerous. but if it is then u will have caught it early and so stuff can be done about it.

[lld0824]

I had a breast exam done on Tuesday 24th and she didn't find anything. Today I went for my mammogram and was told that I had a calcification, not sure which breast I think the right.  The mammogram will not be read until Monday 3/2.  Is there anything you can say to relieve my mind.  I am scared to death?

[japdip]

There isn't any way your Dr. or anyone else can say the likeliood that calcifications can be related to cancer. Only a biopsy can differentiate between malignant & benign. Clustered calcifications are a cause for concern as they indicate the reaction of the breast tissue to some abnormality within the breast. This is NOT always cancer. Calcifications appear normally scattered about within the breast tissue and are not usually biopsied. The waiting is very unpleasant but it's something that we all must do. Good luck with your biopsy; keep thinking benign !!!