microcalcifications 24mm deep

[Cowgirl37]

I'm scheduled for Cone Compression w/ultrasound "Right" Breast 12:00 o'clock and ultrasound "Left" Axtilla lymph node on 3/13/08.  These 2 were ordered based on a diagnostic u/s, mammo and MRI that I had done 2 weeks ago because 1 week before, I felt "1" lump in my left breast.  Diagnostic results were: u/s Left breast showed 4 "probable" fibroadenomas and the right breast shows 2 "probable" fibroadenomas (not just the one that I felt).  The surgeon said to follow up on the 6 fibroadenomas in 6 months.  But the cluster of micro calcifications needs to be checked with magnification and probably biopsied, and the left axillary too.  My Mom had breast cancer.

Mammo report: Quote: "there is a cluster of microcalcifications along 12:00 o'clock radial w/in right breast and they should be further investigated by magnification compression images.  They are situated approximately 24 mm deep to the right nipple along the 12:00 o'clock radial.  RMLO view, they are in the upper half of the right breast".

My ultrasound of my left breast says, Quote: "there is a 16 mm lymph node in the left axillary region.  If they are clinically suspicious for neoplasm, biopsy should be considered".  

I'm 45 years old and I had an open surgical biopsy in the left breast 4 years ago for a lump that I found .  It was open biopsy with general anesthesia because I have implants.  It was benign.  

Question: How do they do the biopsy now a days since I have implants and the cluster of microcalcifications 24mm deep?  (My implants are under the muscle if that helps).

Also, If it turns out that it is breast cancer in my "right" breast based on the cluster, why would my "left" axillary lymph node show up on ultrasound? (left one does have 4 hypoechoic solid nodules/or fibroadenomas).

And lastly, how do they biopsy your lymph node?  

I'm concerned because when I brought all four reports to the surgeon last week he was very rushed, scanned the reports quickly and he said, "see me in 6 months for the fibroadenomas".  I then pointed out the cluster of microcalcifications in the right and the swollen lymph node in the left.  He looked shocked to say the least.  He hadn't even read that part!  He then wrote the scripts and I go back in a month.  I'm feeling a little leary about this guy.  He overlooked the most serious comments and only when I pointed them out did take it seriously.  I'm sorry if this is long.  I posted it on the doctor breast cancer forum and they didn't answer me.  Please, any help or info or past experience would be helpful.  

I was hospitalized last week with arrhythmias after this happened and I'm trying to remain calm.  

[Cowgirl37]

Well, I spent 6 hours at a Women's Breast Center yesterday.  Based on the above post, I was to have a spot magnification of "a" cluster of micro calcifications in the right breast and another ultrasound on my swollen lymph node in my left axilla.  The radiologist came out to talk to me before anything was done yesterday and said that he didn't see the micro calcifications that the other imagaging center had seen???  He looked a little puzzled then said, with your history I'm going to call your doctor and get another prescription and do a brand new mammo here at our facility.  Thank goodness he did.  He found SEVERAL clusters of micro calcs in the right breast.  Scattered from right behind the nipple to 22 mm deep.  Then he did the same thing about the ultrasound, called the doctor and got a new script to have an all new ultrasound.  He found 6 fibroadenomas in EACH BREAST, not 6 total as in my above post.

I'm scheduled on Wednesday 3/19/08 for a Stereotactic biopsy X2.  I have breast implants and I guess they will miss them with this machine/technique.  They will be taking several samples from 2 places in the right breast where they see the clusters.  They will leave titanium markers in the spots where they take the micro calcs from.  Yes, now I'm freaking out.  But, you'll never know until they put it under the microscope.  It is sooooo nerve wracking, I feel like my world stopped about 3 weeks ago.  I will be taking a xanax prior to this procedure.  They said I could take my own pain killers too, because I have herniated disks in my neck and I will be "uncomfortable" laying there with my ear to the table and my breast in a hole.  I don't know why they don't give everyone something to relax them for this.    

My point is, you really have to be proactive and read your reports yourself beforehand. Familiarize yourself with what they are saying.  Educate yourself.  As you can see, things can get "lost in the shuffle".  I'm still going to get a copy of my report from yesterday so I know what's up before they do the biopsy on the 19th.  I want to know  what the BIRADS score is on the micro calcs.

They have digital mammo equipment at this women's center and it's at a large hospital.  They seem really sincere, not quite as careless as others I've encountered.  I feel like I'm finally in good hands.  The radiologist said that right now he isn't worried about the 12 fibroadenomas or about the lymph node on the left.  He wants to find out about the micro calcs first.  

I'll keep you all posted and please do the same.  It helps to hear others stories.  Good luck to all.

[Cowgirl37]

I take back the part about not being answered, the doctor on the expert forum did answer me and this is what they said:

by Cleveland Clinic


Add as Friend
View Profile
Cleveland Clinic  
Cleveland - OH  



, 9 hours ago
Dear cowgirl37:  Calcifications are normal growths that are found in breast tissue as we age.  Calcifications that are dispersed are generally thought to be benign. Calcifications that are clustered raise concern that they could be forming around a small cancer.  Calcifications that are in between are considered indeterminate.  Once a cluster of microcalcifications has been identified, a magnification view is commonly done to further characterize this finding.  If the cluster is still apparent, a biopsy will likely be recommended.  24 mm is 2.4 centimeters or about 1 inch.  Depending on the amount of breast tissue, this may or not be “deep” in your case.  Your surgeon will be best equipped to discuss the techniques that would be appropriate in your case.  The microcalcifications in your right breast may not have anything to do with the lymph node in your left breast.  Lymph nodes are the body’s filters and can become enlarged in a variety of situations such as infection and inflammation.  Clinically suspicious would have to do with the doctors opinion based on examination and the rest of the information that has been provided by scan.  If biopsy is recommended, they could do a needle biopsy or may simply remove the lymph node –your surgeon would be the best judge or appropriate technique.

I think this is an awesome website and it gives us all a lot of information that we need.  Waiting is definitely the worst part.  Prayers to all.