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Group of Microcalcifications-Benign
I am 40 years old and finally went in for my first mammogram to start my baseline. After 3 days, they called me back in to take more images on some calcifications that they have found. They took more digital images and found a grouping of microcalcification, then sent me on for an ultra sound which showed nothing. These microcalcifications are close to the wall of my chest and they are afraid of puncturing my lung if a steriotactic biopsy is done. So, my Doc wants me to have a surgical biopsyinstead (which is fine). I got the radiologist report today and it shows that this is classified as BIRAD 4. So I would like to know if anyone has ever had a biopsy result from a birad 4 (suspicous) mammo report grouping of microcalcifications that were benign? I am so scared and freaked out that this may be cancer, I can not keep my head clear to make it through the day. Any information would be appreciated! Thank you all and God Bless!
Lisa
This discussion is related to micro calcifications found in both breasts during Mammogram.
Lisa
This discussion is related to micro calcifications found in both breasts during Mammogram.
Certainly a fair percentage of biopsies from BIRAD 4 scores do come back benign. I have seen different percentages stated so opinions vary somewhat but 25 to 50% may be something OTHER than cancer. When microcalcifications are observed in clusters or groups they are only an indication of the response of the breast tissue to something abnormal within the breast which is not necessarily cancer. Kindest regards ..... Stay CALM !!
I just wanted to stop by and welcome you to the Breast Cancer Community. There are many wonderful, knowledgable, supportive women here to offer advice and support.
If you have any questions I can help you with I'd be happy to help you.
Stop by the Breast Cancer Forum and read my welcome post for advice and suggestions about how best to use your profile and the other functions here at MedHelp.
Glad you are here, Idaho.
Warmly,
Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer Community Leader
If you have any questions I can help you with I'd be happy to help you.
Stop by the Breast Cancer Forum and read my welcome post for advice and suggestions about how best to use your profile and the other functions here at MedHelp.
Glad you are here, Idaho.
Warmly,
Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer Community Leader
Please watch the microcalfications. Mine turned into cancer a few years later and they had to scrape my chest wall to remove tthe cancer to get clearr margins. Maxine--Fla
Thank you so much for your feed back to everyone. It is such a relief to know that I am not the only one out there feeling like it is the end of my life. I go in on Monday to see my breast surgeon, and I have alot of questions for her. I went through breast augumentations about 3 years ago and ended up getting in infection in this breast, they had to remove the implant in order for this infection to heal, then place it back in... so would anyone know if microcalcifications can be caused by scar tissue. This is something that I never did talk to the radiologist who examined my mammogram. I am trying really hard to not be negative and classify myself with having cancer. Thank you SO,SO much. I am SO happy that I found this site.
Lisa
Lisa
I just went to my BS and she mentioned that this Micrcalcification could be caused by a bruising in my breast from an infection I received after my implants. Can you still have a bruise after 3 years? Also, I am wondering if the wire that they insert so they can locate the calcification spot for surgery is painful? Please comment, I am a little confused on her comment. thanks a bunch!
IdahoGal
IdahoGal
Since they are only the indication of something that is not normal, I suppose that could be a possibility. An infection could leave behind some scarring of the tissue. As far as the wire insertion .... that seems to be an individual thing. I just had some correspondence with a pt. who found it extremely painful and wondered about the area being numbed with a local anesthetic. I ck.d with a friend who had a wire insertion and she said they did not use any local and although it was a needle stick, she didn't find it painful at all. The wire is very fine and is inserted thru a needle. If any anesthetic were used that would be another needle stick and only to numb the skin. The wire is inserted in Radiology before you go to the Surgery Dept. Don't hesitate to ask about a local anesthetic though ... or anything else that concerns you. Dr.s appreciate a well informed pt. and will usually be more than happy to explain everything in detail. Regards .....& Good Luck with your biopsy. Stay calm !!
I'm praying for you! I'm new to the community and just want to offer my support!
Thank you so much for your information. I just can't wait for this to be all done and over. I am so glad that I have found this site. It has given me a peace of mind that I am not alone. I have a very understanding husband as well and he is going to be by my side through this ordeal till the end. Thank goodness, but thanks again to all of you wonderful people on this site and your support. God bless you all and I will let you know what my results turn out to be. I go in for surgery tomorrow morning and should have results my Monday or Tuesday.
IdahoGal
IdahoGal
I just wanted to let you know that I made it through my biopsy. The wire placing was not bad at all either... I hardly felt it, thank goodness. That is what I was worried about the most. The Radiologist told me that she felt really good about this turning out to be benign. I understand that know one will know for sure until my results come back, but does anyone know what the percentage rate is for radiologists being correct with there gut feeling? Thank you and GOD BLESS everyone on this web site.
IdahoGal
IdahoGal
That's hard to say .... they go by their experience in seeing these things on a daily basis. You can certainly have an idea after you have looked at perhaps thousands of films over the years as to what looks like it might be or probably will be ..... it's just like anything else that we look at and recognize subtle differences in after time. I'm very glad that the biopsy was a relatively "good" experience for you. Positive thinking certainly doesn't hurt ...
I finally got my test results back this morning and wanted to let everyone know that it came back BENIGN. Please know that YES, you can have clusters of Microcalcification that turn out to be BENIGN. I was diagnosed with Fibroyd cysts. Not sure what those are, but I am negative for cancer. This website has been such a blessing to me during one of the most difficult times I have ever experinced. Thank you to everyone who replied to my questions and advice and most importantly, for your SUPPORT. God Bless everyone...
IdahoGal
IdahoGal
I just got a call back on Fri. afternoon for more films on both breasts. After much trouble a nurse said they saw microcalcification on the bottom of both...I suffer from panic attacks and had a full blown one, of which i am not proud, but after reading your posts i feel that i am not alone in at ..least my worry. I am 53 never had and trouble before with a mamo. Nor have i ever hear of this, my family and friends have just "joked this off"...Saying " oh your old now" After crying all day i found this site. Already i feel better..I go back on Oct. 2nd for the new films, see my Dr. the next day..I am trying to keep panic under controll...Any advice? And a little support is what i really need. I pray for all of you...
You are not alone, and we are praying for you, too. There are many benign reasons for microcalcifications; the odds are in your favor. Definitely keep your appointment on 10/2, and follow your MD's advice to get the answers you need for peace of mind.
I too had the microcalcifications and second films with magnification, and then had a sterotactic core needle biopsy 2 weeks ago. No cancer, but some atypical cells that need a closer look. Tomorrow I go in for my wire-guided excisional biopsy to take more tissue to be sure there is nothing bad lurking nearby...but it is so hard not to feel anxious!
What works for me to keep my anxiety under control is to do "normal" things to try and take my mind off the waiting like work, read a book, spend time with my family/pets, educate myself by reading up on facts about microcalcifications and breast cancer, and read postings on this Web site to help me keep my perspective -- there are so many wise, compassionate people here. I am sure that your family is trying to reassure you the only way they know how, by minimizing the situation -- they're probably scared, too. Send them love, then find something to distract yourself with. Can you move your followup appointment up sooner to shorten the waiting period? That might help, too.
Kind regards...
I too had the microcalcifications and second films with magnification, and then had a sterotactic core needle biopsy 2 weeks ago. No cancer, but some atypical cells that need a closer look. Tomorrow I go in for my wire-guided excisional biopsy to take more tissue to be sure there is nothing bad lurking nearby...but it is so hard not to feel anxious!
What works for me to keep my anxiety under control is to do "normal" things to try and take my mind off the waiting like work, read a book, spend time with my family/pets, educate myself by reading up on facts about microcalcifications and breast cancer, and read postings on this Web site to help me keep my perspective -- there are so many wise, compassionate people here. I am sure that your family is trying to reassure you the only way they know how, by minimizing the situation -- they're probably scared, too. Send them love, then find something to distract yourself with. Can you move your followup appointment up sooner to shorten the waiting period? That might help, too.
Kind regards...
I'm trying to go about my daily routine, but living alone gives me too much time to think...I will call today and see if it can be moved up...I just can't seem to focus, perhaps due to the panic attacks and ptsd i suffer from...Seeing all the posts really does help,Thank you.
I really hope they can move up the date for your new films! It makes a big difference to be able to keep moving forward instead of endlessly waiting.
When I was going through the second films, then the stereotactic core needle biopsy, then just this morning the wire-guided excisional biopsy, I had a lot of anxiety and fear. But it really helped to think of all of the brave women who have gone before me -- if they could get through this experience, than so can I...
Keep trying to find familiar hobbies and tasks that distract you and make you feel "normal." When I was so anxious yesterday waiting for today's surgery, I dragged out my ladder and cleaned the windows as a distraction! It sounds silly, but I felt less nervous after I'd done it.
We are thinking of you! Please keep us posted as to how things turn out.
When I was going through the second films, then the stereotactic core needle biopsy, then just this morning the wire-guided excisional biopsy, I had a lot of anxiety and fear. But it really helped to think of all of the brave women who have gone before me -- if they could get through this experience, than so can I...
Keep trying to find familiar hobbies and tasks that distract you and make you feel "normal." When I was so anxious yesterday waiting for today's surgery, I dragged out my ladder and cleaned the windows as a distraction! It sounds silly, but I felt less nervous after I'd done it.
We are thinking of you! Please keep us posted as to how things turn out.
I am so sorry that you have to go through this anxiety! I think that the hardest part of this is the waiting part and not knowing. I hope that they will move your appointment up for you too.
I had to wait for over a month from the time they had me come in for my second mammy and then till the time of my biopsy to the day of my results. I really feel that during that time, I have never been so afriad for what my future was going to hold. When we hear the word "MICROCALCIFICATION" we work ourselves up so much. ( I know I did!!) And the whole clincher of it is we try to control everything in our lives and when we have no control (in this particular case) we get scared and anxious.
I just came back from my BS appointment post surgical biospy and she said that 80% of the time these microcalc. are benign and the older we get the higher chance of getting them. I would try to take braveheart2's advise and keep your mind busy. I am praying for you and sending you POSITIVE VIBES. Your chances of these turning out to being nothing is REALLY good! Take care...
IdahoGal
I had to wait for over a month from the time they had me come in for my second mammy and then till the time of my biopsy to the day of my results. I really feel that during that time, I have never been so afriad for what my future was going to hold. When we hear the word "MICROCALCIFICATION" we work ourselves up so much. ( I know I did!!) And the whole clincher of it is we try to control everything in our lives and when we have no control (in this particular case) we get scared and anxious.
I just came back from my BS appointment post surgical biospy and she said that 80% of the time these microcalc. are benign and the older we get the higher chance of getting them. I would try to take braveheart2's advise and keep your mind busy. I am praying for you and sending you POSITIVE VIBES. Your chances of these turning out to being nothing is REALLY good! Take care...
IdahoGal
Glad to hear that your calcification come out benign.
I have also right breast diagnosis as BIRAD 4, same thing - a tiny cluster of calcification. I meet my BS last Thur, and she think waiting cannot solve the problem, I scheduled a Fri surgery, will do the same procedure. Thank you to share your experience. This site is really a supported and help. As a new member at the stage of diagnosis, I would like to thank for all ladies help and kindness to me and other members.
I do have 2 questions, to ask anyone had previous experience or know something about it.
1. As my coming surgery, wire localization excision biopsy. I need go to one radiology center to do needle wiring localization procedure, then drive miles away (not myself though) to a local day surgery center to do surgery. I don't know after wiring, is OK to carry by car for miles away to do surgery? Will wire be move during transit then cause inaccurate? Because the surgery is based on the wire guide excison Should I talk to my surgeon to ask? I knew this after the person who schedule the surgery for me. I think should be done in the same hospital? Anyone ever heard the similar situation?
I was told that because the day surgery has no that kind of radiology? I guess because that day my surgeon will do surgery in that hospital. But the hospital is a big one, may just the day sugery has no this facility? The good thing though is the radiology center is te one I did my mammogram, may be more familiar my situation, as a plus side?
2. I also have done one other procedure this afternoon. It was on the other side of breast. It shows on both mammogram and Ultrasound as a nodule and biopsy was recommended by the 1st radiologist. I went to seek 2nd opinion, and he said it may be just a cyst, needle aspiration was recommended. My surgeon, read over the reports, and did needle aspiration first. She said if fluid come out the lump gone, then it will be done, if it is solid then will do biopsy. So when needle aspiration showed that fluid came out, then the nodule was gone from ultrasound. So she say need not biopsy on this one. But the big question here is I has been read if the fluid is clear then is cyst. But the fluid came out of my one is light yellow color and like toothpaste, thick. My surgeon said that may be dry. I asked if need to send out for pathology check. She told me that is not needed because that may cause false positive, like finding atypical cells or something, and the lump is gone, you cannot do anything. So she told me just do follow up with US in 6 mo.
Anyone had or heard similar story? The bottom line is, should I have a peace of mind now for this results - what a thick, toothpaste fluid also means cyst? As long as the nodule is not solid, then it is benign?
Thanks in advance for information and help!
I have also right breast diagnosis as BIRAD 4, same thing - a tiny cluster of calcification. I meet my BS last Thur, and she think waiting cannot solve the problem, I scheduled a Fri surgery, will do the same procedure. Thank you to share your experience. This site is really a supported and help. As a new member at the stage of diagnosis, I would like to thank for all ladies help and kindness to me and other members.
I do have 2 questions, to ask anyone had previous experience or know something about it.
1. As my coming surgery, wire localization excision biopsy. I need go to one radiology center to do needle wiring localization procedure, then drive miles away (not myself though) to a local day surgery center to do surgery. I don't know after wiring, is OK to carry by car for miles away to do surgery? Will wire be move during transit then cause inaccurate? Because the surgery is based on the wire guide excison Should I talk to my surgeon to ask? I knew this after the person who schedule the surgery for me. I think should be done in the same hospital? Anyone ever heard the similar situation?
I was told that because the day surgery has no that kind of radiology? I guess because that day my surgeon will do surgery in that hospital. But the hospital is a big one, may just the day sugery has no this facility? The good thing though is the radiology center is te one I did my mammogram, may be more familiar my situation, as a plus side?
2. I also have done one other procedure this afternoon. It was on the other side of breast. It shows on both mammogram and Ultrasound as a nodule and biopsy was recommended by the 1st radiologist. I went to seek 2nd opinion, and he said it may be just a cyst, needle aspiration was recommended. My surgeon, read over the reports, and did needle aspiration first. She said if fluid come out the lump gone, then it will be done, if it is solid then will do biopsy. So when needle aspiration showed that fluid came out, then the nodule was gone from ultrasound. So she say need not biopsy on this one. But the big question here is I has been read if the fluid is clear then is cyst. But the fluid came out of my one is light yellow color and like toothpaste, thick. My surgeon said that may be dry. I asked if need to send out for pathology check. She told me that is not needed because that may cause false positive, like finding atypical cells or something, and the lump is gone, you cannot do anything. So she told me just do follow up with US in 6 mo.
Anyone had or heard similar story? The bottom line is, should I have a peace of mind now for this results - what a thick, toothpaste fluid also means cyst? As long as the nodule is not solid, then it is benign?
Thanks in advance for information and help!
Welcome aboard! This site has been very comforting to me as well as giving me comfort and support while going through a difficult time. I am so happy that you were able to find this web site and hope it gives you the comfort it has provided to many woman.
To answer your questions:
1) I have never heard of having to travel after the wire has been inserted. I would talk to your BS and see if you can have a local hospital insert the wire then take you down for surgery at the same facility. I have never heard of one facility perform a procedure then having to travel to another for the actual biopsy, but that does not mean it does not happen. When I went in for my biopsy, they took me down to x-ray for the wire, then wheeled me down to surgery. This was all done at the hospital. If you do end up having to travel after your wire is inserted, ask them if they will tape it down with some gauze. The wire has a fish hook on the end of it, so it should not move around. One thing they may do depending on where the microcalcs are located, they place a second needle along with the wire and this could be a problem if you are going to be traveling. I would make sure you talk to your BS on these concerns of yours.
2) I am not sure about your second question... I myself have not experience a situation like that, but I hope that someone else will advice on it to give you some peice of mind about the thickness of the fluid. I am sure that everything is going to work out just fine for you. Please keep us posted... I am sending you GOOD VIbes your way. GOD BLESS!!
IdahoGal
To answer your questions:
1) I have never heard of having to travel after the wire has been inserted. I would talk to your BS and see if you can have a local hospital insert the wire then take you down for surgery at the same facility. I have never heard of one facility perform a procedure then having to travel to another for the actual biopsy, but that does not mean it does not happen. When I went in for my biopsy, they took me down to x-ray for the wire, then wheeled me down to surgery. This was all done at the hospital. If you do end up having to travel after your wire is inserted, ask them if they will tape it down with some gauze. The wire has a fish hook on the end of it, so it should not move around. One thing they may do depending on where the microcalcs are located, they place a second needle along with the wire and this could be a problem if you are going to be traveling. I would make sure you talk to your BS on these concerns of yours.
2) I am not sure about your second question... I myself have not experience a situation like that, but I hope that someone else will advice on it to give you some peice of mind about the thickness of the fluid. I am sure that everything is going to work out just fine for you. Please keep us posted... I am sending you GOOD VIbes your way. GOD BLESS!!
IdahoGal
I can't seem to get the Appt. moved up, but will try again. Now i guess because i am so stressed out, i have a cold! IdahoGal so happy everything came out ok. Do you now have to have an earlier check up, say 6 months? So good to hear positive news! To blueskyabk, i am thinking about you, idk all that much about this, i am new here myself, wating for my second set of films on Oct2....Braveheart2, trying to do things normally, but i feel in a fog. I just moved to this new town, so the apt needs lots of work, i love to decorate so i'll do that instead of other boring stuff. It always makes me happy...Thanks to you all, so glad i found all of you! xoxo
Sorry to hear that you have a cold...darn it! My BS said that it was not nessecary to have to go back in 6 months since the results came back benign. Thank goodness, my poor breast has been through so much. She said that it is ok to just keep my yearly appointment. This came from my BS and not my GYN, so I am not sure what they will have me do.
I am here for you so please feel free to write to me ANYTIME. I am praying for you and ask GOD that this time goes by fast for you while you are waiting for your appointment. I am feeling pretty good about your microcalcs though! GOD BLESS YOU! Please, keep me posted and write to me ANYTIME, and have fun decorating your new place... how exciting! I love decorating!!
IdahoGal
I am here for you so please feel free to write to me ANYTIME. I am praying for you and ask GOD that this time goes by fast for you while you are waiting for your appointment. I am feeling pretty good about your microcalcs though! GOD BLESS YOU! Please, keep me posted and write to me ANYTIME, and have fun decorating your new place... how exciting! I love decorating!!
IdahoGal
I think waiting is very stressful. As my case, after the screening mammogram report was our on Fri, they called me go back the following Mon for diagnosis mammogram and ultrasound. Please talk to your Dr to see if they can speed up your schedule because after that, you may still need further exams or seeking 2nd opinion. Good luck!
Looks like it's Oct. 2nd...So i just have to keep busy...This weekend will be the hardest, trying to think of something to keep busy, maybe a movie...Hope your all doing ok, thinking of you all. Tty later on! Thanks again :)
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