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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Breast Cancer diagnosis
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.
Breast Cancer diagnosis
by K610, Jun 24, 2008 05:13PM
I have recently been told after having a follow up digital mamogram that it shows calcifications. I was told that a biopsy or MRI could be used to determine actual diagnosis of the suspect area. Is there a benefit to getting the MRI before any biopsy and can the MRI possibly rule out the need for a biopsy? I was told I would need to wait until I get my next period to have the MRI done. That will be 2 possibly 3 weeks from now....should I be waiting?
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Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Jun 25, 2008 12:49PM
, Jun 25, 2008 12:49PM
Dear K610: 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. The pattern of their formation lends clues as to whether or not more investigation is needed. An MRI is a test that is commonly used in high risk women. It is a very sensitive test and often has false positive results. It is recommended to be used in correlation with mammogram, ultrasound and clinical breast examination. An MRI is NOT diagnostic. It only provides more information. A biopsy is the only diagnostic tool. You should discuss this with your doctor who should be able to determine whether there is any benefit to pursuing MRI in your case.
Member Comments (2)
by K610, Jun 27, 2008 08:14AM
To: Cleveland Clinic
Thank you, the above information was very helpful. Is there any additional informaiton you can provide me with what I should know about with regard to making a decision on having a biospsy done. For example are there different ways to do it and what provides the best results. My mamogram show a small cluster of calcification.
