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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
microcalcifications on mammo
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
microcalcifications on mammo
by corkey11, Sep 02, 2005 12:00AM
i went for a mammo in aug 2005 and was called back for further views. after the views i was told that i had a cluster of microcalcifications which were more prominent than in my 2003
mammo. birad 4 . suggest consultation with surgeon and biopsy.
needless to say i am scared to death that this is cancer. what are the odds that it is benign? what else could cause clusters other than breast cancer. ?
mammo. birad 4 . suggest consultation with surgeon and biopsy.
needless to say i am scared to death that this is cancer. what are the odds that it is benign? what else could cause clusters other than breast cancer. ?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Sep 02, 2005 12:00AM
Dear Corkey11: Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. There are different types of microcalcifications, and 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 a benign (non-cancerous) cause, a “cluster” of microcalcifications may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor. A BIRAD category 4 means: Suspicious abnormality. Most category 4 abnormalities are benign but may require biopsy since this category can be malignant in 25-50% of cases. The only way to know for certain may be to have a biopsy.
