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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
microcalcifications questions
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.
microcalcifications questions
by blkbear, May 15, 2008 02:13PM
Are diagnostic mammos the only way or prehaps the most precise way to view microcalcifications in areas of dense breast tissue?
Much is written about how malignancy is most often associated with microcalcifications which are tightly clustered. Does this mean that microcalcifications that are seen as "not tightly clustered" are always benign? Or could they be in the process of becoming clustered eventually..perhaps they are just being seen in early stages of clustering? Could cancer even be detected if they are not tightly clustered yet?
(I was recalled for diagnostic views last month due to microcalcifications which were stable last year (in an area of dense tissue) in the upper outer right breast. Diagnostic results were microcals are scattered and not tightly clustered but given the questionable increase in number from the prior exam, 6 month followup is recommended as a precautionary measure. Microcals did not appear suspicious. I'm just turning 43 and this is the second time microcalcs in this same area have raised questions. My physician has referred me to a breast surgeon but it's mainly for peace of mind at this point. I don't expect any bad news or even a biospy recommendation at this point but to have all questions answered from someone who works in the field on a daily basis is already giving me more peace of mind.
Much is written about how malignancy is most often associated with microcalcifications which are tightly clustered. Does this mean that microcalcifications that are seen as "not tightly clustered" are always benign? Or could they be in the process of becoming clustered eventually..perhaps they are just being seen in early stages of clustering? Could cancer even be detected if they are not tightly clustered yet?
(I was recalled for diagnostic views last month due to microcalcifications which were stable last year (in an area of dense tissue) in the upper outer right breast. Diagnostic results were microcals are scattered and not tightly clustered but given the questionable increase in number from the prior exam, 6 month followup is recommended as a precautionary measure. Microcals did not appear suspicious. I'm just turning 43 and this is the second time microcalcs in this same area have raised questions. My physician has referred me to a breast surgeon but it's mainly for peace of mind at this point. I don't expect any bad news or even a biospy recommendation at this point but to have all questions answered from someone who works in the field on a daily basis is already giving me more peace of mind.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, May 15, 2008 03:35PM
, May 15, 2008 03:35PM
Dear blkbear: 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.
