Birad 4 Classification on my diagnostic mammogram

[Lydfra]

I just had my Diagnostic mammogram completed and the results came back with the following: Additional Diagnostic evaluation confirms the presence of a cluster of calcification in the upper outer aspect of the left breast. Some of the more inferior calcifications appear to be fairly coarse. There are however a number of microcalcifications noted as one progresses superiorly and laterally within the cluster. There is also some questionable branching suggested. There is no associated mass lesion.

Conclusion: focal grouping of calcifications in the upper outer aspect of the left breast which demonstrate sufficient pleomorphism as to warrant histologic correlation at this time.

I was told that I do have extremely dense breast and was given a Birad 4. I have my biopsy scheduled in 6 days. I am very shocked with the results. I am 42 and have no history in my family of breast cancer. I am trying to think positive but the wait and see is driving me nuts. Can someone please shed some light at to what my diagnosis is. The terminology used is very foreign to me. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

There are many different kinds of breast calcifications, including at least 12 different benign types of microcalcifications which I am familiar with.

A radiologist considers the types of calicifications but also the patterns and groupings in which they present in determining if they are harmless, need to be followed up to see if they are stable, or require a biopsy to make sure
whether or not they might be associated with an early malignancy (only about 15% of the time).

A biopsy is an excellent tool to provide a definitive answer.

If a malignancy should be detected, keep in mind it would likely be at  a very early stage, since no lesion (mass/lump) was visible in your images.

Wishing you all the best,
bluebutterfly

[bluebutterfly2222]

p.s. Here is a link to an older thread that will provide you with a lot more information about microcalcifications, if you are interested.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Microcalcifications---just-wondering/show/1443586

bluebutterfly