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 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.

[Montana girl 06]

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.)

[suzi-q]

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.

[jille]

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.

[laure113]

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.

[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.