Cluster of Calcification in Mammogram

[kathydee]

I had my second mammogram at 42 about a week ago and was called back for a magnified mammogram today.  After a series of images the radiologist called me in for a consult.  

Apparently she found a suspicious cluster and due to the location, possible entanglement in the pectoral muscles - has recommended surgery to remove them all and do a biopsy (rather than just a needle biopsy).  

I have read the general comments about calcification clusters here - but wonder if I should have more concern because of her quick recommendation to operate and remove.  I have plans to leave the country for several months in about 3 months.  If the growths are not malignant is this operation something which will take time to recover?

[kathydee]

Thanks for the responses.  I think she said it was about a 7mm area.  

[Cheerpul]

Recovery also depends upon the person.  I had a large  excisional biopsy done, and the next day drove 40 miles to our Catholic cathedral, and cantored a nationally-televised mass for EWTN and sang in the choir.  I was tired, tender over the incision, but not having any real pain and no pain meds.

I had a mastectomy a week later, so I don't know how long to life heavy objects from the biopsy.  However, I went back to work at a living history museum a week after surgery (Let's make a deal with the surgeon.  I told stories and made noodles and did not lift buckets of water or iron pots in the fireplace.)  No real pain and no pain meds.

So, I think part of recovery depends on yourself.  How much pain do you seem to feel compare to others?  How well do you handle it?  What is the best procedure to ensure your future health (most important)?  If the biopsy is all you have done, you probably won't feel it at all in 3 months.  And the peace of mind you'll have from getting everything checked out thoroughly will be worth it!  I am thinking of you.

[iam1butterfly]

Well, I've had both surgical and needle biopsies for microcalcifications...and I can say that if it was determined that the cals could be biopsied via the stereotactic/ needle approach, that would definitely be the preferred method... as it is less invasive and far less costly than the surgical/ excisional way. So, if that's your doctor's recommendation, I'd trust it.

Recovery, from the procedure, itself, was within a few days. Recovery, as in reaching the point where I could say that I was fully healed (i.e., no swelling; no soreness; no bruising; no scab; being able to lift heavy objects; being able to go into a hot tub; and, finally... being able to sleep comfortably on my side), all of that happened within a month and a half.