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Abnormal mammogram: "group" of amorphous microcalcifications

Hello,

I'm 32 years old with a family history of breast cancer - both maternal great aunts died in their early 50s from it.

I've just had an abnormal mammogram - my first mammogram ever, followed by bilateral ultrasound, which was requested by an oncologist because of lumpy breasts.

The concerning finding was a "group" of amorphous microcalcifications in my left breast.

Below is the report from the mammogram and ultrasound. Strangely, the mammogram which was done first, has a BI-RAD of 0, while the ultrasound has a BI-RAD of 3. The report suggest 6 month follow up, but the oncologist is sending me next week for a breast MRI to check it out.

I've read that up to 20% of amorphous microcalcifications are malignant, and moreover that a single group of amorphous (as opposed to diffuse or bilateral) can suggest malignancy, so I'm worried:

"Amorphous calcifications (2)
Many benign and malignant breast diseases may present with amorphous calcifications (Table).
About 20% of amorphous calcifications turn out to be malignant.
Usually it is low grade DCIS."

"Clustered calcifications are both seen in benign and malignant disease and are of intermediate concern.
When clusters are scattered througout the breast, this favors a benign entity.
A single cluster of calcification favors a malignant entity."

If anyone can advise or share similar stories with amorphous calcifications and benign findings, I'd love to hear them! I will get a second opinion anyway and pursue this seriously. Report below:

___________________________________________________________________


Examination Name: MAMMOGRAM SCREENING BILAT

Examination Date: 08/09/14

Bilateral mammogram

Clinical indication: Family history of breast cancer, lumpy breasts. 32-year-old female.

Technique: Full field digital CC and MLO views of both breasts were obtained. Evaluation was aided by use of CAD and tomosynthesis.

Comparison: None.

Findings:

Breast density: Extremely dense fibroglandular pattern is identified bilaterally, which may lower mammographic sensitivity for detecting small lesions.

Calcifications: A group of tiny amorphous calcifications are identified at about 2:00 position in the posterior third left breast.

Masses: No overtly suspicious mass lesion is identified.

Impression: Incomplete assessment, BI-RADS Category 0. Sonographic evaluation of both breasts with particular attention given to the left upper outer quadrant is recommended.


___________________________________________________________________

Examination Name: US BREAST BILAT

Examination Date: 08/09/14

Ultrasound bilateral breast

Clinical indication: Abnormal mammogram in a 32-year-old female with family history of breast cancer.

Technique: Greyscale and colour Doppler evaluation of both breasts was performed. Particular attention was given to the left breast upper-outer quadrant.

Findings: No suspicious soft tissue mass is identified within the breast by ultrasound.

Impression: Probably benign findings, BI-RADS Category 3. Repeat unilateral left breast mammogram in six-month (with magnification views) is recommended.


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5 Responses
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Avatar universal
One thing I don't understand is the information I found online for BIRADS categories. The link below states:

"
BI-RADS II : when diffuse and bilateral
BI-RADS III : when multiple bilateral clustered
BI-RADS IV : when unilateral clustered or new on follow up or in a patient with a cancer in the contralateral breast "

http://radiopaedia.org/articles/amorphous-calcification-within-breast

Why am I BI-RAD 3, when BI-RAD 3 - as per above - is when "multiple bilateral" clusters are found. The report says "a group" of amorphous calcs were found in my left breast only - which is unilateral.
Helpful - 0
25201 tn?1255580836
First of all I think you are doing way too much investigation and coming up with answers that any ordinary person without a medical education could possible relate to their own situation. The results of the Mammogram stated a BIRADS 0 because this rating only indicates that further studies are needed to determine an impression of the findings. The report from the Ultrasound states BIRADS 3 which indicates that the findings are probably BENIGN and only need a re-check on 6 months to track any change, growth or increase in the number of calcifications. I would advise you to relax .... do your monthly self exams and schedule the recommended tests. Had a malignancy been suspected some type of biopsy would certainly have been advised.   Regards ....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your comment. I'll stop reading online. It's just that I was surprised the report said 6 months follow up when amorphous calcs are usually biopsied, and when my doctor wants to do an MRI right away. I will try not to worry needlessly for now though.
Helpful - 0
25201 tn?1255580836
Breast MRI is a very valuable tool in further defining any issue discovered in the breast tissue. Each test has it's own capabilities and even though they may be "seeing" the same thing, each "sees" it in a different way or from a different perspective. It is especially helpful when dense breast tissue is a factor. As far as researching goes, the results are so general that it's almost impossible to relate it to just one situation. Please let us know how things are going when you get the results of your MRI. Regards ...
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Avatar universal
I will do, thanks
Helpful - 0
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