microcalcification in right breast

[Danagr]

I was asked to return for a 2nd mammo which showed microcalcification, stereotactic breast biopsy is scheduled for next week. Of course I went right to the computer to research, it seems that microcalcification indicates a malignancy.
Am I reading the info incorrectly? Needless to say I am very scared. Thank you for your quick response, Dana

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

If you really are searching over the net for answers (like googling 'microcalcifications'), then all you will really get are negative and morbid answers, since these are the things that most people are talking about and would generally rank very high on search engines.

However, microcalcifications are in no way tantamount to cancer, and there are distinct patterns or shapes of these microcalficiations that would point out if this is benign or malignant.  You may also want to ask your radiologist about the overall impression of your mammogram which is the BIRADS scoring (http://biradsclass.blogspot.com).  The score will tell you if the findings are most likely benign, malignant, or would need further tests.

Again, microcalcifications do not equate to cancer.  Regards and God bless.

[madgeOwens]

What DR Paul said is so true. I had a Birad score of 4 for microcalcifications, had steriotatic biopsy and then lumpectomy for atypical hyperplasia, and it was although abnormal cells, no cancer was there.  Relax its usually not cancer, but its best to get it checked and the earlier the better.

[blueskyabq]

They are right.   I had a Birad score of 4 for microcalcifications, too.  Had surgical excision biopsy with wire localization, and found fibrocystic change.  Some other ladies had calsification by mammogram, biopsy showed benign. So, not worry for now, just get it checked.  Best wish.

[kateful]

I had same situation.  Very first ever mammo showed abnormality.  Second magnification mammo showing "punctate calcifications that are pleomorphic in a clustered formation...Some of these calcifications are arranged along a ductal distribution..."

Just had a stereotactic biopsy today.  It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.  Should be getting the results in a few days (definitely before the weekend or there will be trouble)  :).

Best wishes!

[IdahoGal]

My situation is the same... they called me back in for a second Mammogram and had confirmed I had a cluster of Microcalcification (BIRADS 4).  I was so scared that I too headed straight for the internet for answers. Thankfully I found this web site, and it has given me so much support. I do not think I could have kept myself as calm as I did if I would not have found this site. I went in for a surgical biopsy and my results came back benign.  Your chances of a benign result are pretty good at 80%!!  Good Luck and keep up posted on your results.  GOD BLESS!

IdahoGal

[Sacgirl]

Last week I was called back for my second mammogram and it turns out I have calcifications in my rt breast (4A).  I am scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy in a week and a half.  As you can imagine, I am going through so many emotions, from fits of crying to feeling that this has to be a mistake. I feel like a total wreck.  I also have searched the internet for answers and hopeful information.  What I do not understand is how can calcifications that are rated 4 have an 75-80% chance of being benign.  That 4 sounds more to me like it would be seriously cancerous. I am hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.  And yes right now the worst part is the waiting.

[jacolync]

I go tomorrow for my stereotactic biopsy... I thought I was crazy for being scared. I will let you know!~