Breast Calcifications

[Deb95NJ]

I am 37 years old.  My family has a history of Breast Cancer.  I had my baseline mamogram at 35. Calcifications were found in my right breast. I had a needle biopsy, came back fine. Had re-check 6 mos. later, more calcifications, needle biopsy, came back fine. Another 6 mos. re-check & bi-lateral, more calcifications in right breast. Surgical biopsy, came back fine. I am scheduled for my next 6 mos. re-check this week.What else can I ask my doctor to do...should I be getting other tests??? I cannot keep having surgery on my breast, but the calcifications keep coming back. I have never had a "normal" mamogram.  Any suggestions???

[GrannyJo47]

A related discussion, Breast Biopsy was started.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm not positive, but I think I heard needle directed biopsy referred to as a hook one time. In this procedure they squeeze your breast between the mammogram plates and take numerous mammos to insert a wire to locate the calcifications. Then a surgeon removes the area. When I had this done they numbed me up good and it wasn't bad. I just had to ice the area for 24 hours afterwards. Again, I'm not sure this is what they refer to. Sorry to hear you have to go through a biopsy, too. I hope the proceedure goes well and will keep you in my prayers also.

[netsky]

I'm so glad I found this site. It's an answer to my prayers. I had my mammo last month, July, and  findings is BI-RAD 4-b. My doctor referred me to a breast surgeon who said that she disagrees with mammo interpretation and that she doesn't even see the need for biopsy.  For my peace of mind, I went to see another surgeon and this time he told me that there's lesion behind my nipple in addition to the calcifications.  He recommended another surgeon, his mentor, who he thinks will be able to do a better diagnosis and perform the biopsy using hook?  I'm seeing him tom., but in the meantime, I'm so agitated and nervous.  Can somebody tell me what this "hook" is all about please? What's the difference between this and the usual biopsy procedure?  Will it be painful? I need help. Thanks.

[maa64]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I know I should draw from my faith in God. Thank you for understanding about my husband. He never handles my stress well. He takes the tough love approach. Thank you for reminding me of that. I am so glad I have this website. I read the posts and realize that countless others are going and have gone through what I am going through. It is nice to know that one is not alone.

[Montana girl 06]

I've had 3 biopsies. My husband is always sure they'll be benign. I am always scared they'll be cancer even tho we both heard what the doctor said. Fortunately, all 3 of my biopsies were benign. As women, we tend to worry a lot about breast biopsies. At the same time, you need to know that a high percentage of birad 4 biopsies for calcs are benign. There's a great chance you'll be just fine. I've found I do better if I try to purposely dwell on some positive things in my life when I'm waiting for a biopsy so I don't add to my stress. You have a right to express your feelings. It may stress your husband out to see you so upset, and he might be responding to that. I once read that you should allow yourself a 10 min. pity party (set a timer.) When the timer goes off, get involved in a positive activity to get your mind off your problem. Sounds like you have some great kids to be thankful for. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[maa64]

Thank you for all the information. I am 42 years old and told I have calcifications in my left breast. They are a BIRAD 4. I am so scared. I will have a biopsy on Friday. I too am upset. I thank God for this site. My husband keeps reminding me that most findings are benign. My doctor told me 2/3 of women have calcifications, but since I never had them before (I get yearly mammograms) they have to do a biopsy. My husband keeps getting upset, because I read something on the internet and I'll say see... cancer. He gets really upset and says no it says usually benign. He thinks I am overreacting and gets really upset with me. Am I wrong to be so frighten. It is all I think about since hearing I need a biopsy. I just cry most of the time. I have 4 wonderful kids the youngest being 4.
My mother had breast cancer-postmenopausal.