microcalicifications BI-RADS

[Greysean]

I had a stereotactic breast biopsy this afternoon for a small cluster of micro calcification cluster. I didn't know enough earlier to ask what level my Bi-RADs would be. From reading since I was told a biopsy was necessary does that mean I am a level 5? I couldn't see nor did they tell me what shape they were, but I assume they were irregular. Do these ever come back benign? I have had two surgical biopsy's over 20 and 15 years ago but those were for lumps. The biopsy today was quite painful even though I was assured it wouldn't be, but perhaps because I also have several cysts in the same area it was worse for me. They tell me I won't know anything till the middle of next week, is there any information out there that could give me a better idea of what news I might get so I can at least try and prepare. I am a single mom with one child who is special needs so I'm very frightened at this point. Thank you .

[Greysean]

Thank you wasn't sure how it all worked.

[iam1butterfly]

I suggest that you post this recent pathology finding as a separate question on this forum. That way, others who may have more insights on this, would see it and be able to address your concerns. I wish I had answers for you on this... the most that I can offer you is my well wishes and prayers. As always, take care.

[Greysean]

If someone could help me understand what all this means I'd be very grateful.

Ductal carcinoma in situ, high grade, cornedo and cribriform types with calcifications
Lobular carcinoma in situ
BiRads-4
white-yellow tissue cores aggregating 2.5x2x0.3
Clarient

I'm gathering high grade isn't good. what do they types cornedo and cribriform mean? Is it odd to have two different types the Ductal and the Lobular?
Thank you.

[Greysean]

I just hung up from my doctor. I have both the DCIS and the kind in the lobes can't remember the name right off hand. He said he will fax the report to me. He said it was high grade. Otherwise he didn't say anything about BI-RADS or whether it was estrogen receptive. I go to a surgeon on Wed. What does this all mean? What will happen next? Will they do small surgery or just go for the whole thing? Anyone have any idea how having an auto-immune disease effects fighting cancer? Actually what I really want to know is what is the worst part of the treatment? Thanks so much.

[Greysean]

I will turn 50 this year. One of my concerns is I also have M.S. so my ability to fight off anything is not as good. Thanks you both for your kind and supportive responses.I can't imagine 5 biopsy's! I am so sore and swollen and bruised but still nothing compared to the mental anguish. Thank you both again and I'll certainly write back when I hear something.

[ncmichigan]

I can empathize with you as I've had five areas biosied in three surgeries in last five years. Your situation sounds similar to my last one because I had two areas of clusters and the radiologist was most concerned about one of them and only recommended biopsy on one. I wanted both biopsied and she and my surgeon agreed. I'm glad I did because one was benign and one was LCIS, which requires more vigorous screening and tamoxifen. It is so hard to wait and not think the worst, but the worry doesn't really help. Like iam1butterfly said, the odds are definitely in your favor that the findings will be benign changes, especially if you're young. I'm 62 so the risks increase with age, plus I have other risk factors, too.
So please try to stay calm, focus on other things and pamper yourself a little until you know for sure what you're dealing with. Easier said than done, I know, but everyone on here has been through similar circumstances and understand and support each other. I'm hoping for good results for you and wish you the best!

[iam1butterfly]

You're right... it's the ones that form in clusters that creates most of the cause for concern. So, you can be sure that they targeted and got the biopsy sample from that cluster. And, if they didn't get enough of a sample to perform an adequate pathology report, the lab would know... and say so... and, you'd hear about it.
As to the accuracy... well, I suppose there could be false positives and negatives with any type of pathology finding. But, I don't know what the stats on that are. What I do know is that it's hard to fight off that "worse case scenario" mode of thinking... I was the same way, myself during my Breast Cancer scare, particularly since I have an extensive family history of Cancer... including Breast Cancer. Try to calm down... and take care.

[Greysean]

I wish they would explain more and talk to you about what they are seeing and what they think. I understand they see this everyday and probably have to distance themselves. I also do understand that part of the process is waiting for the pathology report and they can't comment and be wrong. Its just with the internet, they have to realize people are going to want to learn as much as possible and get scared and confused. I think this is a wonderful help just to be able to talk to others who understand.
  The part that has me most concerned is how the miro-calcifications are clustered - that doesn't sound good at all. They said there were a lot of the calcifications but there was a small group they were most concerned with. Can they know they got the some of the cluster ones rather than the others? I know they went away and looked to see they had some calcifications but now I'm wondering which did they get? How accurate are these biopsy's, anyone know? Thank you.

[iam1butterfly]

No, you could be a level 4, "suspicious abnormality... biopsy recommended."

I can relate to the uneasiness that you're feeling. I've been biopsied twice within a four year period due to the development of micro-calcifications in my right breast. Thankfully... the pathology report from both biopsies returned with benign findings.
Just so you know... statistically, micro-calcifications are rarely, if ever, found to be of a cancerous origin. But, they are an abnormality that might suggest that something within the surrounding breast tissue is triggering their growth. So, that's why, in many cases, a biopsy is recommended when calcifications appear. Unfortunately, you have to wait a while to find out the results. Try to maintain good thoughts and keep in mind
the statistical odds that I mentioned. Take care.