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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
need answers
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
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.
need answers
by lisabll, Aug 21, 2008 05:58PM
i have been told that i have micros in my left breast. changes from last year. i am 48, have no history of bc in my family. i do not smoke, do not take the pill and do not take hormones. i am healthy in the regard that i am not taking any meds for chronic medical conditions. i do take vitamns at times. my question is how concerned should i be that this is cancer? i have a biopsy sceduled but not for a week. also, how quickly do these spread and are they considered pre cancerous because they have not formed a lump or mass yet? if they are cancer, is that what they do?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Aug 22, 2008 11:58AM
, Aug 22, 2008 11:58AM
Dear lisabell: Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue and these are normal. Microcalcifications in and of themselves are not a condition that would become cancerous. However they can be a sign of a problem that may need further investigation based on their appearance on a mammogram. For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause and microcalcificatins that form a cluster may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor. Microcalcifications that are indeterminate may need further investigation such as a diagnostic mammogram to further characterize the calcifications. Calcifications do not move around but more may form over time. The pattern of their formation lends clues as to whether or not more investigation is needed.
Member Comments (2)
by japdip, Aug 21, 2008 10:18PM
To: lisabell
Microcalcifications themselves are not cancer; they are an indication of the reaction of the breast tissue to some abnormality within the breast .... this is not always cancer. All the things you mention, all are which good, often have no bearing on your developing breast cancer. Though some would tend to increase your risk, you can certainly have breast cancer without any known risks. A good percentage of biopsies done for microcalcifications are found to be negative but if not it would be a very early stage and easily treatable. The waiting is the worst .... every pt. will tell you that but it's something we all must do. Regards ....
