Microcalcifications in the Breast

[Diane1]

I recently took a mammogram and was told by the evaluating doctor that he "thinks I have cancer", because of a new density area with microcalcifications that are in one small area (not scattered). He recommended that I take a biopsy, which I did 5 days ago. I am waiting for the results, and having a rough time of it. I wish he had just said there was something highly suspicious there that needed to have a biopsy. I think that would have been sufficient.

I have read on the internet that microcalcifications that are clustered, can be indicative of cancer. I was wondering what the percentage of my chances are that I will get a benign report. He said it was a small spot that can't be felt by a manual examination.

Thanks,
Diane1

[Montana girl 06]

I wish I had some words of wisdom for all of you who are waiting for biopsies, surgeries, or results but I'm out of words myself today. Just want to let you know I'm still listening and still praying for each of you.

[snoopy55]

I have posted comments on the mammogram section, but was reading and thought I would post here.  I am still waiting for my surgical procedure.  I go back to the surgeon on Tues afternoon and then go straight over to the plastic surgeon again.  THis waiting is just getting to me.  Also the weather has been cloudy and rainy here, which is depressing also.  Everyone I'm close to is very supportive of me and my decisions.  We decided to go with the mastectomy with reconstruction surgery the same day using the Tran Flap.  I am very nervous, but after much prayer and talking with some friends who have had the lumpectomy with radiation and then those who had the mastectomy with the reconstruction without radiation, I chose the latter.  I get really tense at times.  My co-workers have been wonderful and so supportive.  My husband and family have been very supportive.  My husband has also been very worried.  However, God is the Source of my strength.  Remember the words "WILL-POWER"  IF WE HAVE THE WILL GOD WILL SUPPLY THE POWER.  WE JUST HAVE TO LEAN ON HIM.  He never lets me down, friends and family may let us down, but He never will!  I just pray He will be with each of us and give all of us the strength we need and the peace that only He can give.  You are a wonderful group of supportive friends.  Keep praying and uplifting each other.  We will make it!

[fizzixgal]

This is my first post in this forum... just to say that I am going through this too - bad news on my very first (was supposed to be baseline) mammo came last week. Went back for spot compression views on Monday. The verdict was, a tight cluster of 4 or 5 microcalcs in the upper outer quadrant of my right breast. Only "somewhat" suspicious, but still B-4. The somewhat part doesn't help much, of course I'm climbing the walls and oh yes, xanax is my friend now. My gyn referred me to a large cancer centre and the earliest I can get in is the 9th. I will see a NP for evaluation and then probably a biopsy. The waiting is the worst part... I need to know what this is and to get it out of my body NOW if it is C.

Oh, and the first word I had on my screening mammo was on Friday the 13th... of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Such a perfect irony.

Hugs and prayers to everyone here.

[jille]

Simply to Diane1, 10/16.. I'm thinking you ran into an insensitive putz.  Sorry for you for that.  What I'm reading is otherwise scary and encouraging.  My Dr., love 'im, recommended me "old vine" Zinfandel..., has set me up for #2 biopsy, but unknown to him I realize that he spent an awful lot more time on biopsy #2 discussing further treatment options w/ me than w/ biopsy #1.  I also recognize the differences in the films.  Very clear that #1 was a bunch of little slivers, disorganised, whilst #2 is a dot,  almost symmetrically surrounded by littler dots. Bigger dot almost glows like it has it's own little halo.

I'm indulging in the old vine probably to regularly, but it's nice to know I'm a wino w/ class.  It keeps the demons at bay.. husband travels too much for work and has moved me to a place where I know next to nobody.  My #2 is next Tuesday, October something.  I felt no discomfort whatsoever at #1, wish more of you said the same.  I'm also hoping I don't need to learn all the abbreviations and termonloliffogy that I've seen, but I would like to keep you posted.  No one in the family knows but Mom, and everytime I talk to her she tells me I sound healthy and fine. I just think.. why the .... shouldn't I?

Also... I did ask Dr. intoxication what if.. this cluster of calcifications had not been located in a mammogram, how long would it have been until a lump was detectable, answer being 5 to 6 years.  I have been and will continue to nag those I don't know, which is everyone, of the importance of yearly mammograms.  That answer is one of the encouraging comments he made to me.

[Montana girl 06]

Forgot to answer the part about size. I looked at the magnification and it looked oval shape, maybe 3/8 -1/2 inch wide but quite narrow. I couldn't tell how many calcifications were in it. Talking to the techs though, cancer can be found in as few as 7 calcifications but having many calcifications doesn't necessarily indicate a higher risk of cancer. It's also hard to say just how magnified the films was. Actual size could be miniscule. I keep trying to figure out if there could be any other explainable cause for my calcs. I gained several pounds before my July mammo when all the new calcs appeared. I'm 5 pounds lighter now and I had very little change in my calcs. I know I'm grasping at straws but sure wish I knew why my breasts keep developing calcifications that up to this point at least have been benign.

[Montana girl 06]

Ok, I get it... I never have been very good at those abbreviations. LOL (had to ask about that one, too!)