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Microcalcifications in the Breast


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
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A related discussion, breast calcifications was started.
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127512 tn?1193742216
I am not sure I would call what your are going through a pity party. I am not sure what to call it. Maybe you are grieving the unknown which is normal. Nov 1st seems a long time to wait. I guess you could not get them to move it up? I wish you all the best and hope you don't follow the road I have had to travel. Will keep you in my thoughts. Please let us know as soon as you can. The waiting is so dam_ hard.
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I really know the fear you are speaking about and how we have to go on. What choice is there? And yes, Birad 4. That's what I had and this time, I'm okay. It took me until today to relax and smile and even laugh. But, it hasn't left me. I'm still in shock and still not sure any of what I have gone through was real. I'm praying for you, for all of us and always will. Thank you for sharing your feelings.
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Just heard today that a fellow teacher has only days or weeks to live after a recurrence of breast cancer. That left me really stressed. When I mentioned it to a good teacher friend she said we're not even going to go there (thinking of mine being cancer) unless it happens. It made me mad at first, but it did make me realize I'm allowing myself to dwell on the possibility that it is cancer way too much. I think I'm helping myself by preparing for the worst but instead I'm just allowing myself to dwell on the negative. (We all need the pitty party, but then we've got to move on!) Instead I need to focus on the fact that it is only "suspicious" and Birad 4 (NOT Birad 5). There's a better chance that it will be benign.That has really helped me today. Hope it helps others, too.

Ziggy - My first biopsy was a lump - papilloma (plugged milk duct). My second was a needle directed biopsy for calcifications. My third in Jan. 06 was a stereotactic for calcifications. My fourth will also be a stereotactic and was rescheduled for Nov. 1. What do you teach? I teach 21 energetic first graders. I get to miss the sugar high on Nov. 1. (Good day to miss school.)

laure113 - So glad to hear your good news. Thanks for letting us know. After a stereotactic they usually have you do a follow-up mammogram in 6 months. Maybe they'll look at your other calcifications then.
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I got my results today. "No evidence of malignancy". There is still the question of the other cluster but I was in such a fuge state, I'm not quite sure what she said. I think they're not going to do anything about it, but I'm really not sure. I'm making an appointment to speak with my doctor in person. I made her read some of it 3 times because I am so disconnected. I asked her if I was dreaming. This entire situation has been nothing short of unworldly. Your sharing is what kept me going.
I will keep all of you close to me and in my prayers. I will never take this lightly again. God bless you all.
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I am very sorry to hear your news. But you are right to try and stay focused on the good results of your past biopsies. Were all of your past procedures the same kind as you will be having for this one? Has it been scheduled yet? If you are like me, you want it done yesterday! Forgive me if I am asking you questions that you have already posted answers to but I get mixed up with all of the responses. As always, you are in my prayers. Keep busy with school (you are a teacher, right? So am I!)
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I called the surgeons office today and spoke with the nurse. She said the radiology center called the surgeon the day after my mammo and said I really needed to do the biopsy this time. I must say I really enjoyed my two whole days without this stress, thinking it was not cancer. Now I'm right back to worrying. But, I have to keep remembering I was worried for the other 3 biopsies and they were all benign.
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This forum is a good place for me.  I'm determined I don't have much to worry about statistically (tough word) until I get the results.  Biopsy is tomorrow, and hubby actually came home yesteday, only to leave again this morning.  He doesn't seem to want to think about it, I'm  hoping it's cuz he feels bad about never being here.  'K, that's mean of me. Anyhow, glad I found you all to listen to and write to.
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Hello, everyone.  I am going for my mammography on November 14.  I had a baseline done approx.4 years ago.  They found microcalcifications which ended up being benign.  However, I got a form letter from the Radiology place telling me to make sure I get an appointment because I am turning 40 and am considered high risk because of past situation.  This infuriated me as to why did they tell me not to come back for 4 years?  I was very niave at that time, not realizing that it should be followed up on.  My question to you gals is this.  Do you know if there is a higher risk of getting more calcifications (either benign or malignant) once you had them?  I figured that once they were cleaned out it was over with.  Have any of you had calcifications return in your breast a year or so after having a group removed?  I am panicking already and I still have 1/2 a month to go!  Thank you for your advice.
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suzi-q
I'm going in for my 3rd biopsy of calcifications  in  6 years (my 4th breast biopsy overall.) So far they've all been benign. I know a woman who had a stereotactic for calcifications 6 years ago and has not needed another biopsy since then, so it can go either way. Calcifications can be a normal part of aging. You may hear other women say they have them and never needed them biopsied. It's only when they form clusters of certain patterns that they need to be biopsied. I have very dense tissue and many lumps in addition to the calcs so my surgeon says I'll probably be dealing with this problem on and off forever.

fixix
I know this is hard, but just remember that it's more likely the biopsy will be benign than cancerous. Also, if it is cancer it's probably a very early stage or precancer. (I know, it's still an UGLY word and diagnosis.)
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I wanted you to know the biopsy really wasn't that bad. The whole thing is just terrifying but on a scale from 1-10, for me, the biopsy was a 3. Xanax helped. I sound like I'm pushing this stuff but it has helped me. It's all so foreign. This whole world has been opened up to me. Mine was a  b4, too. No family history. All we can do now is wait and really, I'm not very good at that. Pray for each other and share our fears. Reach out. That's what I'm trying to do. Hang in there. God bless you.
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The biopsy thread I was posting on is closed. Not sure why, but glad I found this one was open. Tomorrow I should find out my results and I am beside myself. I, too, would be drinking, if I could. Xanax has been keeping me going. I think, Barb, on the other thread said something about picturing us holding hands and that's what has gotten me through this, too. Praying for all of us. I don't look sick either. It's like your body betrays you. I've been having good hair days too! Sounds silly, I know, but the thought of not having any is getting to me. Okay, I don't know yet, so I suppose I'm okay today. I'll be checking back to see how you all are. I care about all of you and wish you a good day and hope you find something to laugh about. God bless us all.
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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.
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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!
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Avatar universal
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.
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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.
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Avatar universal
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.
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Ok, I get it... I never have been very good at those abbreviations. LOL (had to ask about that one, too!)
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B9 is shorthand for benign, thats all.  My prayers are with all of you, I hope each gets good news soon. LynneBrooke
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Montana girl 06-Do you have the appointment for your biopsy? How large is the area that your doctor is targeting? Like you, I took the wait and see approach to my DCIS, no radiation or medication. And also, like you, I have not had much support from friends who seem reluctant to discuss anything with me. No one asks, not even my own sister. I know they care, but maybe it is their own fears that keep them from allowing me to talk about the ordeal. I do not have a husband and I have not wanted to "dump" on my children (who, by the way, have been the wonderful!). This forum has helped tremendously, but after some rather harsh comments from some others who post here with regards to my decision, I have been hesitant to post. I think of you often and try to send good vibrations and prayers your way. Do not second guess yourself about waiting the three months. At the time, we make what we think is the best decision for us. As always, you are in my prayers.
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Hi Ziggy, (and anyone else,) I just wanted to tell you about the live chat you can have with survivors-those waiting-and those going through everything you are on breastcancer.org.

I went there two nights ago, and people who know exactly what and how we are feeling are online with realtime chats there.  They welcome you right in, just sign up and you can chat anytime you want with people who care and understand.

Even though I have now got a B9 rating, I am still welcomed as well.  

I had a BIRAD of 4 with "suspicious for malignancy", truly thought I had C- and was going stir crazy waiting for everything.  They talk about anything and everything you might have an interest in, so please consider signing on.  I think you will be blessed.  My call name is BrookeLynne, if you ever see it there, talk to me.
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What is a B9 rating? I'm unfamiliar with that.
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I got back from my conference early enough today to pick up my radiology report and feel muuuuuuch better now that I've read it. The nurse told me my calcs had changed. The report says "very little change." Three months ago the surgeon said if they stayed the same I might not need the biopsy, but if they changed I should definately go. So, now I'm confused. How do I interpret "very little change?" I'm going to call the office on Monday. My biopsy was scheduled for Oct. 26 but they called to change it to Nov. 1. At least I'm less stressed now.

I can understand why you've been hesitant to post. I don't think the gals with the totally rude responses knew your story and they jumped to conclusions. (There are ways to disagree without being so harsh.) It made me mad, too. From your post I'm guessing that you are still stressed about your situation. Do you have up and down days, or is it still a daily worry?

I try not to burden my kids with my health problems too much, either. When I cry my husband really listens and then is more responsive for a couple of days...and then he forgets about it again. I love him dearly, but he really doesn't understand... And I'm not going to use tears to get his sympathy.

Thanks again so much for your support.
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127512 tn?1193742216
Summie082 - glad you got great news.

darkstarlight - I think the only other treatment would be hormonal. But you can only have this if your cancer meets the criteria.
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