micro calcifications birad 4

[sable9707]

I am glad I found this site.  I too have just had  magnified mammogram and microcalcifications which are noted as birad 4 -- I have a consult scheduled for July 24.   I am totally freaked as I am 51, only 3 and a half years from retirement and already have myself obsessing about what this could be --  has anyone had malignancies found at this stage of the game and been treated?   What is the usual treatment?  Help


This discussion is related to Breast Calcifications.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

How are you? BIRAD 4 is suspicious abnormality This is not a characteristic of breast cancer but reasonable probability of being malignant; biopsy should be considered at this point.

Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium deposits that can be scattered throughout the mammary gland, or occur in clusters. Commonly, they simply indicate the presence of tiny benign cysts, but can signify the presence of early breast cancer.   They are caused by a number of reasons such as aging.

Take care and keep us posted.

[sable9707]

I am totally freaked but trying to keep it together.  I am leaving NY state for Chicago in two days to visit my son.  I have an appoint for a consult on the 24th of July and will be having a biopsy.    Is that too long to wait?

i am a little confused, if it is not a characteristic of breast cancer but has reasonable probability of being malignant  -- doesn't malignant mean it is cancer?   I am 51 and a half, and just went off the pill after many happy years on it , never had a side effect-- as soon as I stopped it in April I started hot flashes and have not yet had another period.  

I am also a gym person, not a fanatic but at least 2 or 3 classes a week and also walk a very energetic little Sheltie an hour or so a day -- I am in good shape but very worried.  

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,
Most category 4 abnormalities are benign but may require biopsy since this category can be malignant in 25-50% of cases.  Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous certain patterns of calcifications such as tight clusters with irregular shapes may indicate breast cancer. If this is the case, additional mammograms and a biopsy may be needed. I do understand how waiting increases your anxiety but if its impossible to move it earlier, make yourself busy and before you knew it the 2 weeks of waiting is over. Take care and keep us posted.