Scheduled for Stereotactic Biopsy next week and have concerns

[sweetblossoms]

Hello,

I am 57 years old. I just had my diagnostic mammogram today, that revealed I have a clustered calcification in my right breast, resulting in the Radiologist setting up a biopsy next week. My screening mammograms have been all normal except for this year.  I guess it has me a bit unnerved to have something brand new show up.  I don't have a history of cystic breasts, except for one over 37 years ago, which turned out to be nothing.  My Mother has estrogen based breast cancer, that her Doctors have been able to keep under control, and she has done pretty well.

Is it pretty common for new clustered calcifications to show up after having normal mammograms for many years?



This discussion is related to Birad 5 how soon must I act on biopsy?.

[bluebutterfly2222]

I'm also so happy to hear you got good news!!

bb

[zouzi]

I am so happy for you,sweetblossoms...
This is wonderful news,and you made my day!                                      

                                     Congratulations!!
                ♪♫♪♫♪ Doing the happy dance with you! ♪♫♪♫♪  :)

[sweetblossoms]

Hello zouzi and bluebutterfly2222,

I got notice today from the Medical Center, that my biopsy was benign. Great News!   This forum is wonderful for Women who already know they have breast cancer, as well as those who are waiting to hear.  You Ladies have been a great help and support to many.  

[sweetblossoms]

Hello again zouzi and bluebutterfly2222,

Thanks so much for your quick replies.  It sure helps.  The Breast Surgeon who did the biopsy said I had round and elongated shapes.  I am so pleased that the medical center with it's own breast care center, in my area, has been very proactive in getting me in for my diagnostic mammogram a week after my screening mammogram, and then the biopsy today.  I feel that I am getting the best of care. :-)  So now I am just taking it easy and putting an ice pack on the area.  Thanks again for your best wishes and support. This is a great forum!

[zouzi]

Hi again and thanks for reporting back here.
I am glad your biopsy went well,despite the uncomfortable position laying on your stomach...
The lab will analyze the sample and determine if the cells are cancerous. If the cells are not cancerous, then closer monitoring and repeat mammograms, as recommended by the  radiologist,would be required.
Breast calcification are not cancer themselves, but can indicate problematic cells in the surrounding tissue.
If the cells are determined to be malignant,since you cannot  feel a lump, and mammograms have shown no lump, if it IS cancer it's undoubtedly extremely early (Stage 0), and thus completely curable.Some oncologists don't even consider stage 0 cancer, but rather a pre-cancerous condition.
If clean margins were obtained, following your excision biopsy, your doctor will let you know what treatment you'll be needing.
Regardless of your diagnosis, it is imperative that you write down all questions and concerns and discuss them with your doctor. Each case is unique, and only your doctor can answer questions specific to your situation.
Hoping that your biopsy will result in benign findings.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

I'm so glad to hear your stereotactic biopsy went relatively well!

We can't tell you for certain that any threat of cancer was removed with the cluster of calcs, because sometimes the calcs are just an indication that something is going on in the area. It is good that the doctor was able to excise all the different types of calcs though, so that the pathologist will be able to have the complete picture.

I'm responding to you in case zouzi can't comment right away as she usually does--I understand she has been having computer problems.

Hoping you get good news on Wednesday!!

Wishing you all the best,
bluebutterfly

[sweetblossoms]

Hi zouzi,

Well I went the medical center this morning and had my biopsy. I had the Stereotactic Core Biopsy.  It wasn't too bad.  I think the hardest part of it, is having to lay in one position on the stomach, and not move, more than the actual biopsy itself, which wasn't for me all that big of a deal, however people have different toleration levels. Umm, my micro calcification cluster was right under the surface of the skin, so was really easy to access.

The Dr. did say that it was a cluster made up of 7 or 8 calcs with different shapes, so Wed is when the Pathologist will be contacting me.  Now he was able to excise the whole cluster with biopsy, does that mean if there was any threat of Cancer, it is gone now?

[sweetblossoms]

Thank you zouzi,

I haven't been diagnosed with FBC, and I wish I would have asked what the sub category of the Birads was.  Weil, I will find out next week.  Thank you for being positive. It helps for sure.

[zouzi]

You are more than welcome!
Fibrocystic breast condition is very common and affects over 60% of women between 30 and 60 years old and which tends to be less problematic after menopause.
If you have been diagnosed with FBC,it's important to limit fat and calorie intake and avoiding caffeinated foods and drinks.
Now,regarding BIRADS 4,it means that the radiologist,,has determined that the calcification is just  suspicious but nothing more than that.A high percentage of BIRADS score 4 return a favorable finding when biopsied.
Usually a pathologist report includes "A" "B" or "C" after the BIRADS score 4 is given.
BIRADS 4-A: Findings needing intervention with a low suspicion for malignancy
BIRADS 4-B: findings with an intermediate suspicion of malignancy
BIRADS 4-C: Findings of moderate concern, but not classic for malignancy .
Most calcifications, even those considered of some concern, turn out to be okay.So we'll keep our fingers crossed and hopefully your biopsy results will reveal benign findings ! :)

[sweetblossoms]

Hello zouzi,

Thank you so much for your taking the time to response so quickly!  I appreciate it. :-)  Umm, birads classification for my diagnostic mammogram was 4.  I guess I am a bit unnerved because I don't have a history of fibro cystic breasts, and my screening mammograms have always been normal, except this last one, which presents with cluster calcification(s).

I'm 57 years old, so was surprised that I could start having fibro cystic breasts at this age. lol  From what I have been reading though, I guess Women in their 50's can have have this condition quite often.  I am scheduled for my stereotactic biopsy next Monday!  I am a very positive person though, who likes to be educated about whatever the problem is, so I am glad to be living in the metro area of my state, where all the specialists and leading hospitals are.  That makes it easier.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Yes, calcification can change from year to year...Clustered calcification are suspicious because they sometimes cluster around a mass.Their appearance on x-ray, gives clues to the radiologist,but not definite answers,so it is standard procedure in most cases to biopsy the area because it's the only way to determine if abnormal cells are present.
Do you know what is the BIRADS score assigned on your mammogram report?
BIRADS is a quality control system,used by radiologists after interpreting mammograms,ultrasound and MRIs.
This system allows radiologist to categorize the findings by numbers.The scores go from 0 to 5.The higher the number the more suspicious is the abnormality.
Keep in mind that despite the presence of clustered calcification, most are evaluated and found to be benign.If unfortunately it does not,then the cancer would be at a very early stage and highly curable.
Best wishes and good luck!...