Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

clustered microcalcifications

I would greatly appreaciate if anyone can give me  the answers to the following questions.

1. How common is it for  mammograms of women 50-70 years of age to reveal clustered microcalcification?

2. What percentage of biopsies for the above condition give a benign result?

3. When clustered microcalcification is revealed, is a biopsy ALWAYS recommended even if there is no change in the form of the clustered microcalcification over a period of years.

4. If a biopsy is performed and the result is benign is another biopsy recommended following the next mamogram?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your well informed reply. cs
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
1. Common. Clustered microcalcifications are more cause for concern than random microcalcifications, which are also common.

2. In general, in the USA, about 20% of biopsies performed come back with confirmed malignancy. The BIRADS classification refines that somewhat, with BIRADS 3 being mostly benign (80% or better coming back benign), whereas the BIRADS 5 category having statistics somewhere in the range (quite variable in this category) of 60% to greater than 95% confirmed malignancy). Because biopsy is the only way to confirm the presence or absence of cancer, it is fairly standard procedure to recommend biopsy for BIRADS 4 and 5 and quite often 3.
3. Because CLUSTERED microcalcifications are more likely to be DCIS or stage 1 cancer, the common practice is to recommend biopsy.
4. Depends on the path report and original BIRADS classification. If there is a cluster and high BIRADS number the followup tends to be sooner and more focused. Ambiguity often means watchful waiting. Great term.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Breast Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
From mammograms to personal hygiene, learn the truth about these deadly breast cancer rumors.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.