microcalcifications

[jlc0822]

I went this week for my annual mamo. I have been called back for a magnificaton mamo on my right breast. Microcalcifications in clusters were detected.  I am a 9 year survivor of breast cancer on my left breast.  since I have had cancer should this be more of a concern for me.

JLC

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

These microcalcifications would need to be investigated further to rule out cancer and come to a probable diagnosis.

This is the normal course of management in all cases of microcalcifications. But in your case, with a previous history of breast cancer, this becomes even more important.

A biopsy would need to be done to come to a confirmed diagnosis.

Do let us know what your doctor tells you.

Hope this helps.

[ncmichigan]

I'm 61. I had needle loc biopsies for two clusters of microcalcifications yesterday. My surgeon said they didn't look suspicious, but the radiologist said one was "more suspicious" than the other when she talked to my primary care doc.  I'm confused. This is my third biopsy--the other two were for fibroadenomas but path reports also showed moderate hyperplasia, sclerosing adenosis and radial scar. My sister died of breast cancer at age 50, my maternal grandmother also died of it and I have never been pregnant. Are my chances still good that this will also be benign? Any help anyone can give me will be appreciated. Waiting for the path results is the worst of these experiences.

[zouzi]

Hi there,I don't blame you for being anxious waiting for the biopsy report..I think,like you do,that the waiting is the worst part of all,but this is something that unfortunately we all have to go through.Now,you know that having a history of breast cancer (sister) puts you at a higher risk.Clusters of microcalcifications are suspicious and if a biopsy was ordered by your doctor it means that the calcification is just that..suspicious and nothing more.I have many friends who had your same problem and the biopsy turned up to be a benign finding.So think positive and don't over worry,because of course you have good chances that the pathology report will be a good one.Good luck and best wishes.

[ncmichigan]

Thank you so much for your response. I guess I just really needed some encouragement
and your positive response was just the thing. In my head, I know the chances are good that it's benign, but there's always that nagging little doubt that "what if I'm one of the
small percentage?" I know I can deal with anything that comes my way and I'm really a
very positive person, but even strong women need a little support every now and then! Thanks again you for yours!

[zouzi]

Yes, I know what you mean about this little doubt that stays in our mind! but we always have to hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. I left you a note and you can find it by clicking on "My Med Help" on top of the screen on your right and you will see the note on your "profile " page.I am glad that you are feeling encouraged,I needed that too when I first had my own problems.So we'll keep our fingers crossed for a good biopsy result okay? All the best to you.

[ncmichigan]

Just talked to my surgeon today and got the results of my biopsies. One was benign, but the other showed lobular carcinoma in situ. He says this is a "marker" for increased risk for breast cancer and that I'm fine. No additional treatment or surgery is needed, just continued  attention to careful screening. I'm really grateful and relieved that it's not invasive cancer, but I still plan to talk to him in more detail at my follow up appointment and also to my primary care doc. Do you know more about LCIS? Should I post my question on the general community page? I get rather mixed information in my internet search. Thanks, again for your encouragement during an anxious time.

[zouzi]

Hi, Good to know that you are relieved.I have added some information for you,but of course you can post again to have additional information from other members.
                           -------------------------------------------------------------          
Although the name includes the term carcinoma, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is not really cancer, but rather a noninvasive condition that increases the risk of developing cancer in the future. LCIS, also known as lobular neoplasia or stage 0 breast cancer, occurs when abnormal cells accumulate in the breast lobules. Each breast has hundreds of milk producing lobules, which are connected to the milk ducts. In LCIS, the abnormal cells are often found throughout the breast lobules and both breasts are affected about 30 percent of the time.

Deciding how to treat lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) can be complicated because the condition itself is not cancerous and the majority of people with LCIS do not ever develop cancer; yet, it is known that they have a higher risk of developing cancer in the future.

Typically, people with LCIS simply increase their surveillance for breast cancer, having multiple physical exams each year, and mammograms once or twice a year. This allows doctors to identify breast cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage if it does occur.
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Now,when you will meet with your Surgeon,I am sure that she will discuss with you in details, about treatments most appropriate for your particular situation.Some doctors do prescribe Arimidex or Tamoxifen if the patient is Estrogen receptive,
Take care and God Bless.

[ncmichigan]

Thanks so much for the additional information! You have been really helpful. Because of my history, I'm going to ask for a consultation with an breast cancer oncologist, just to get a clearer risk assessment and whether taking tamoxifen  or arimidex would be a good idea or not. Other than that, I'll continue to be vigilant and take one step at a time. All the best to you, too!

[zouzi]

This is a very good idea to also get a second opinion from a breast cancer oncologist! Ask all the questions that are important to you,write them down, just in case you forget them when you see the doctor(We all forget at times).Yes take one step at a time,be vigilant and all will be just fine. I really wish you the very best.Good luck and God Bless!...

[ncmichigan]

Again, thank you so much for all your help---you're a real dear!

[alidi]

I read your comments, very helpful, I am schedule next week for an ultrasound breast biopsy. I have implants, and I do not know what to expect, it will be an stereothactic
biopsy, outpatient, and awake, I am scare to death!

[zouzi]

Hi alidi.    Here is some information for you:
                             ---------------------------------------------------
Usually stereotactic breast biopsy takes about  45 minutes from set-up to finish.The actual biopsy takes about 15 minutes.  

You will be awake during your biopsy and should have little or no discomfort. Most women report little or no pain and no scarring on the breast.

Some women find that the major discomfort of the procedure is from lying on their stomach for the length of the procedure, which can be reduced by strategically placed cushions(Make sure you tell the nurse if you are still uncomfortable)

When you receive the local anesthetic to numb the skin, you will feel a slight pin ***** from the needle. You may feel some pressure when the biopsy needle is inserted,but not real pain.

The area will become numb within a short time.

You must remain still while the biopsy is performed.

As tissue samples are taken, you may hear clicks from the sampling instrument.

If you experience swelling and bruising following your biopsy, you may be instructed to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and to use a cold pack. Temporary bruising is normal.

You should contact your physician if you experience excessive swelling, bleeding, drainage, redness or heat in the breast.

If a marker is left inside the breast to mark the location of the biopsied lesion, it will cause no pain, disfigurement or harm.

You should avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after returning home, but then usually will be able to resume normal activities.
                             -------------------------------------------
I hope that this information will better prepare you,because we are always scared when we don't know what we are facing.Also I am sure that all precautions will be taken because of your implant.Don't be scared you'll be fine.I hope also that the biopsy result will be a favorable one. Take care and best wishes.

[specialmom]

I am having this done next Friday as well.  I had a basic mammogram and was called by my family physician to see a surgeon who told me I had linear calcifications that needed to be checked out.  It is very scarey.  I'm 43 with two young kids and can not even think about a bad outcome to this biopsy.  Good luck on yours too.

[ncmichigan]

Just wanted to let you know I've had biopsies three times and each was done differently, but none too bad. My last one for microcalcification a week ago required needle localization while sitting up in a mammo machine. The local anesthetic works great and there was no pain, just pressure as the needle goes in like zouzi said. My biggest problem was sitting perfectly still trough it all, almost an hour, while my boob was squished in the mammo machine! They used a grid to locate the mircrocalcs for my surgeon. I think I even quit breathing so as not to move, and I almost passed out from that. The radiologist and tech said that happens in about 50% of cases and they were super nice. The good thing is you'll be lying down, so hopefully, you won't get that. Just be sure to speak up if you're having any kind of pain, problems or discomfort. They'll do all they can to keep you comfortable. All three of my biopsies were excisional (lumpectomies), so I was asleep for that part, but the needle locs are very similiar to needle biopsies.
I wish you and specialmom an easy biopsy experience and a good outcome! I'm new to this site, but it seems like people really care and support each other, so be sure to come back and let them know how things turned out, if you care to.

[specialmom]

thanks for the additional info.  I'm trying not to be nervous but am having issues shaking this dread inside of me.  I keep looking at my little guys and wanting to cry. This is like facing my worst fear.  I know the odds are in my favor but I went from a screening mammogram straight to a surgical consult.  So, I'll keep it together until next Friday and hope for the best.  Anyway, thanks for all the info as it helps to know what to expect through the biopsy process.  A little discomfort I can handle.  Cancer is another story!  

[ncmichigan]

It is perfectly normal to be afraid---I went through days of anxiety with each one.
There's always that nagging doubt, but it's also good that you're focusing on the fact that the vast percentage of biopsies have benign results. Even in the worst case scenario, hopefulIy you'll have the advantage of very early diagnosis when cancer is close to 100% curable. I'm almost old enough to be your mother and I really feel for you with young kids. I would hate for my daughter or daughter-in-law to be going through this, but I'll think positively for you and wish you a good outcome. Stay strong!

[alidi]

Thanks so much for a great information, I will post the results of the biopsy,
I feel optimistic!

[zouzi]

Good for you...arm yourself with positive thoughts..and everything will be much easier.Good luck and best wishes...